There were 400 complaints in all concerning the two shows, according to Ofcom. Thomas Vu, a trained stuntman, conducted a fire stunt on Sunday, April 16th, covering himself in a fire-retardant gel before being set ablaze.
Vu managed to figure out how to solve a Rubik’s Cube when he was under flames. After the prank, BGT presenters Ant and Dec advised viewers to never do this at home: “Do not try this at home, ever.”
Many fans had expressed their displeasure over the fire stunt being shown on a family program during Sunday’s edition on Twitter.
One viewer wrote, “BGT totally ill-considered showing a guy setting himself on fire whilst solving a Rubik’s Cube.” “No thought given to the fact that impressionable children watch the show.”
Another person remarked: “Don’t get me wrong, people do crazy things and it’s their decision, and that’s great by me, but maybe that final act should have been long beyond the 9 pm watershed? I’m not sure that kind of playing with fire is appropriate for young children who likely stay up late watching BGT.
“Sorry, but showing a man setting himself on fire on a ‘family’ show is not acceptable,” commented a third. Despite the warning to “do not try this at home,” The moments were deemed “insensitive” by some.
I simply find this insulting to anybody who has gone through any pain brought on by fire, said one viewer who was 12 years old when the Bradford City fire catastrophe occurred in 1985 and lost a schoolmate.
Another person remarked, “As someone who has lost someone dear to fire, I had to switch it off.” This wasn’t supposed to be permitted. Disrespect.”
“The fire stunt with a Rubik’s Cube on BGT was completely unacceptable. Did you not consider the impact this might have on burn victims? third, tweeted.