BGT legend defends Kimberly Winter as 'gross' act sparks Ofcom complaints and panel divide

Britain's Got Talent's 2017 finalist Daliso Chaponda has defended this year's controversial contestant Kimberly Winter over her "gross" routine, which has sparked 54 Ofcom complaints. The 34-year-old hopeful flew over from America to "sing" for Simon Cowell, who at first seemed touched by her commitment before things took a turn.

Seconds into the act, Simon and his fellow judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli were left gobsmacked when Kimberly began burping along to Abba's song The Winner Takes It All. As the surprising performance unfolded, viewers flocked to social media to express their thoughts as one wrote: "Sorry a woman burping is not talent it’s gross! This show has seriously gone down hill #bgt."

"OMG she is burping to ABBA," a second commented alongside various laughing emojis. Another typed: "Why the hell would you say yes to a burping act? #disgusting #bgt #BritainsGotTalent." The judges were also torn divided over the act, with Simon and Amanda seeing the funny side, while Alesha and Bruno walked off the set in disgust.

Giving their critique, Simon said: "We weren't expecting that, did you really fly in from America to burp at me? Really? It was so stupid, it was brilliant, really, that's a compliment." Sharing her thoughts, Amanda joined in on the act and began burping out her response, which prompted Bruno to say: "I'm bitterly disappointed, no, no, no!"

When it came to the result, Simon and Amanda were in agreement of putting Kimberly through to the next round, while Alesha and Bruno issued red buzzers and initially said no. In a surprising turn of events moments later, Bruno changed his mind while Alesha stuck to her word.

While many found the act gross, comedian Daliso, who was Amanda's golden buzzer act, said he understood why she was put through to the next round.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, he shared: "I think the magic of BGT is that it has all sorts.

"The whole point of variety is, you've got an act for the adults, an act for the kids, you've got a song, you've got a funny thing, you've got something that defies your eyes, like someone swallowing a sword.

"Honestly, when I was first watching it and reacting I was like, 'This burping, oh no' but then when I saw my nephews and nieces giggling and falling on the floor, I was like, this act is for them. It's for the little kids, this is the most fun they've had!"

Daliso went on to say the act was even more funny due to the fact she flew from America purely to burp at Simon.

Quizzed on whether he believes she could win the show, the comedian shared: "No, I think people will enjoy her but I don't think burping can win.

"These might be my famous last words," he added, laughing. "But I don't think so."

Sharing further thoughts about the series so far, Daliso said he is backing Amanda's golden buzzer Sydnie Christmas for the win.

"She has my vote for winning the whole thing," the comedian declared. "That was astonishing, her voice gave me tingles".

He added: "I met Amanda after seeing her sing and told her, 'You've got the greatest golden buzzer this year'."

Catch the comedian on his nationwide Daliso Chaponda: Feed This Black Man Again tour across venues nationwide. For more information, see here.

Britain's Got Talent continues Saturday at 7.30pm on ITV and ITVX.