Britain’s Got Talent returned with a bang on Saturday night, but fans felt one act “couldn’t have come at a worse time”
Abbie Bray Deputy Editor for Screen Time
22:12, 21 Feb 2026Updated 22:44, 21 Feb 2026
The drone act paid an emotional tribute to King Charles(Image: ITV)
Britain’s Got Talent audiences found themselves split over the act that concluded the opening episode of the ITV programme.
This series will see hundreds of aspiring performers greeted by award-winning presenters Ant and Dec before showcasing their abilities to the judging panel of Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and new judge KSI.
Acts from across Britain and beyond will appear on stage, hoping to win over not only the judges but also the viewing public, competing for the life-altering £250,000 prize and a coveted performance spot at the prestigious Royal Variety Performance.
Yet fans were swift to voice their opinions after Somerset-based act Celestial brought the programme to a close with an elaborate drone spectacle. As the judging panel and studio audience moved outdoors, Celestial delivered a striking display featuring drones and illuminations.
Near the conclusion of their routine, King Charles‘ voice featured in a poignant tribute that some viewers felt was “couldn’t have come at a worse time”.
Celestial impressed with their drone act(Image: ITV)
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The voice said, “Wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love.
“Our nation and the wider family of realms, of whose talents, traditions and achievements, I am so inexpressibly proud. Have prospered and flourished, which makes us great as a nation.”
Amanda Holden responded by saying, “I am going to start crying.”
One viewer reacted to the performance, commenting, “An act with the King’s voiceover could not have come at a worse time!”
“This is kinda sick #BGT,” one viewer remarked, whilst another noted, “Not good timing but wow this is cool.”
Celestial got 4 yeses from the judges(Image: ITV)
A third observer highlighted, “Celestial- very cool very different I love it but I can’t see the King going outside to watch it that’s the only thing #BGT.”
Another concurred, “How is a drone act going to work on the stage at The Royal Variety Show?”
Commending the moving performance, one fan declared, “Celestial, best act of the Night #BGT.”
“Well, wasn’t that brilliant? Brought a wee tear to my eye #BGT,” another shared.
In the first episode, the fans met Liwei Yang, who left everyone in awe as she juggled a burning table with just her feet.
Another act that impressed the judges was Paul Nurrari, who made Australia’s Got Talent final and received the first Golden Buzzer of the series.
Paul Nurrari made the Australia’s Got Talent final(Image: ITV)
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When speaking about what fans can expect from the new series, Ant said, “Like we always say, expect the unexpected!
“We never know who’s going to walk around that corner when we’re on the side of the stage, and the viewers never know who’s going to walk on stage when you’re watching on telly.”
Dec added, ” There’s more madness and more fantastic talent from here and around the world.”
Britain’s Got Talent is available to watch on ITVX.
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