Bruno Tonioli breaks BGT's golden buzzer after hitting it too hard

Original source (on modern site) | Article images: [1]

It was only a matter of time before BGT judge Bruno Tonioli got into trouble for using the golden buzzer - again. The former Strictly Come Dancing judge - who shocked audiences when he broke the show's rules last year and pressed the buzzer twice on his first day - slapped the buzzer so hard on Saturday's programme that he actually broke it.

The accomplished dancer, 68, became emotional after watching a young male dance troupe take to the stage on Saturday night - and choked back tears as he told them that he knew how much hard work and passion they'd put into their performance.

The troupe, Phoenix Boys, is made up of talented young male dancers who attend dance schools and colleges across the UK and come together once a month in Birmingham, Manchester or London to dance together. Amazingly, ahead of their BGT audition, the group had only had three rehearsals - but still managed to knock the ball out of the park and leave the judges and audience gobsmacked. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter

ANT & DEC: Ant McPartlin on paternity leave after becoming a dad as Britain's Got Talent continues

KATHERINE JENKINS:Katherine Jenkins says 'and just like that' as she shares family 'first' update

Phoenix Boys was set-up as an all-male group as many of the youngsters felt that they were being "forgotten" in their usual dance classes and "outnumbered by an army of girls," one young member said.

The group's performance began with a small number of performers on stage but quickly, more and more youngsters joined the group until Phoenix Boys had completely taken over the stage. Their beautiful routine was dynamic, exciting and polished and had contemporary, ballet and jazz elements, and several backflips and cartwheels too.

Phoenix Boys blew the judges and audience away (Image: ITV/screengrab)

The group is made up of talented boys and young men from across the UK (Image: ITV/screengrab)

After their performance came to an end, the judges and the audience were on their feet and Bruno inched his way over to the golden buzzer, smacking it with such force that it cracked.

As Simon Cowell and Alesha Dixon looked on, bemused, Bruno explained: "I had to," soon adding: "I know how hard it is, what you do. People don't really understand how hard it is to succeed as a dancer, the work that goes into it and the passion - you literally do it for nothing. You do it for love - and I felt that."

Phoenix Boys were jumping for joy after getting the Golden Buzzer (Image: ITV/screengrab)

"Congratulations, boys," said Alesha. "I could see the emotional connection that Bruno felt and I knew that he could see himself in you."

"I loved it, I loved the choreography," added Amanda. "I really loved the power and energy that you all have. And I love the fact that there's age difference between you all because I can see there's mentoring and care and friendship in this group. And for me, that meant everything."

"I literally can't speak," added Bruno. "What really touches people is when you perform from your heart - it's the truth of your performance...and you touched me. And I think you touched everybody here."

Over on social media, viewers were blown away by Phoenix Boys. "What do you think of Bruno's two Golden Buzzer acts? 1. Taryn Charles 2. The Phoenix Boys," one viewer asked his followers. "I think he could have the winner this year."

"I'm crying at BGT omg!" said another. "Those boys were phenomenal. #PhoenixBoys"

"Two words. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. #BritainsGotTalent #phoenixboys #goldenbuzzer" said another.

"I'm bored of these dancing acts BUT the phoenix boys are absolutely amazing!! The best dance act I have seen #BGT" said another.

Story Saved

You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.

< Back to 68k.news UK front page