BGT fans all saying same thing about latest contestant and former winner George Sampson


The final round of Britain’s Got Talent auditions aired on Sunday 16 May before it switches to the live semi-finals. Some viewers, however, didn't quite feel satisfied by the latest episode.

Geordie duo Ant and Dec are set to host the BGT semi-finals that will run from Monday, May 27 until Friday, May 31, with every live show airing from 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

The star who manages to wow everyone in the BGT final on June 2 will be crowned the winner and demonstrate their skills at the Royal Variety Performance, and pocket a handsome £250,000.

One such hopeful contestant during Sunday's episode was Leightonjay Halliday, 23. Hailing from Douglas, Scotland, the dancer had auditioned in Manchester specifically for a heartwarming reason.

Leightonjay Halliday on the BGT stage
The judges were impressed with dancer Leightonjay Halliday -Credit:ITV

When asked by Bruno Tonioli why he decided to audition for the ITV show, Leightonjay revealed: "My main goal is to inspire younger dancers to never give up."

Overwhelmed with emotion, he continued: "I would love to start my own company to nurture young kids to know they can be authentically themselves."

Bruno cheered him on and reassured the nervous dancer that all the judges including Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon were rooting for him. With an encouraging "Go for it, relax, and enjoy", Bruno sent the dancer off to his performance.

Leightonjay began dancing to Kodi Lee's song Change and stepped into a very shallow pool of water, causing a splash as he swirled his way through his carefully choreographed routine.

Leightonjay received a standing ovation from the judges
Leightonjay wants to inspire young dancers to perform -Credit:ITV

When Leightonjay finished his performance, he was met with a standing ovation from the judges, and Simon Cowell highlighted an interesting tidbit.

Simon remarked: "You'll be really interested to hear this story. That music was sung by somebody that came on to our American show who is blind and autistic, and he wrote that song.

"He is going to be so blown away when I call him and say 'someone has just done the most unbelievably good audition to your song."

However, despite Leightonjay's impressive dance act, Britain's Got Talent fans quickly drew parallels with past winner George Sampson's iconic performance on social media platforms.

Back in 2008, a young George Sampson won hearts and the competition at just 14 with his Singin' in the Rain routine, complete with a black and white ensemble and a splashy water set.

George Samspson at the opening night of a musical
Viewers thought Leightonjay and George's performances had a few similarities -Credit:Getty

Social media users didn't hold back their thoughts, with one fan tweeting: "Similar to George Sampson's winning routine #BGT."

Another added: "George Sampson 2.0 #bgt."

While a further observed: "I'm getting a George Sampson vibe with this Scottish Bloke #BGT."