Britain's Got Talent 2018: First live semi-final forced off air due to technical fault

The weather briefly disrupted transmission 
Apology: Declan Donnelly explained what was behind the technical fault after several minutes off air during the first Britain's Got Talent live show
ITV
Natasha Sporn29 May 2018

Britain's Got Talent's first semi-final was hit by a technical fault just after the first performance.

After young dance group Cali Swing took to the stage for their high-energy performance, the signal began to crack and the show disappeared off air.

After failing to come back within seconds, a screen and an announcer apologised to viewers for the interruption as they worked on fixing the transmission. Unable to fix after several minutes, the channel showed some highlights from the audition stages in place of the action.

After around 15 minutes, transmission resumed with solo host Declan Donnelly telling viewers that the weather had caused the break in broadcast.

Weather issues: The first semi-final was interrupted by London's weather
ITV

He said: "Welcome back! The weather has caused some technical difficulties so apparently some of you didn't get this at home."

Simon Cowell then joked that Ant McPartlin will return to the show next year, quipping "Ant, you are coming back next year – you don’t have to do that!"

Opening the show: Cali Swing had just performed their routine
ITV

Monday’s show marked a show first for the talent competition as the live shows broadcast from London’s Hammersmith Apollo.

Singer Lifford Shillingford, close-up magician Maddox Dixon, quick-change performers Ellie and Jeki, dancer Shameer Reyes, comedian Lost Voice Guy, escapologist Matt Johnson and choir The D-Day Darlings were also among performers.

Diversity opened the show with a routine from The Greatest Showman, the film’s soundtrack having achieved success at the top of the charts for several weeks.

Britain’s Got Talent continues weeknights at 7.30pm and 9.30pm on ITV.

Britain's Got Talent 2018 Judges - In pictures

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