BRITAIN’S Got Talent winner Richard Jones has given his frank opinion on this year’s magic act Jack Rhodes.
Jack wowed the audience last weekend as he performed a jaw-dropping routine for judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli.
As the popular show made a comeback, Jack’s clever audition saw him correctly predict that Simon would write ‘cucumber’ on a blank card six months previously.
He magically switched it with a card saying ‘minted’ that was sandwiched in between Bruno’s hands, before throwing some comedy into his routine too.
In a twist, Jack had a pal dressed entirely in black to explain how the cards were switched “undetected”.
He also left the judges bemused after convincing them he was behind the act The Phantom from 2022. He later revealed it wasn’t him.
Taking to Instagram, 2016 champion Richard has given his opinion on Jack following his impressive audition.
Although he is not certain he has what it takes to win, the 33-year-old Essex magician has clocked Jack’s huge advantage.
In a live reaction video, Richard described the act as a “genius” for predicting that the edit team would ‘stop time’ at the right moment.
He said: “I like him, he’s going to do well.”
The star, who served in the Army for six years, went on: “I’ve realised he has a massive following on YouTube and social media because he does really funny edits.
“When people go on the show who already have hundreds and thousands of followers and fans, that’s great for someone in BGT.
“I assume he’s definitely going to do well if he gets to the final. He’s got a big following that will be voting for him.”
Richard concluded: “It’s so nice to see magic that lots of magicians do but performed in a completely fresh and different way.”
Unfortunately for Richard, the act he would have tipped to win was sent home by the judges.
Titled ‘My Winner’, the BGT star has also shared a reaction video to comedian Bobby Goldfinn – who wore a goldfish mask on stage.
Timeline of BGT Winners
Britain's Got Talent has been thrilling fans since it burst onto the scene in 2007.
Here we take a look at all the BGT winners– from the first ever one to the most recent:
2007: Paul Potts– The first ever winner of BGT was opera singer Paul Potts. He saw off competition from Connie Talbot, The Bar Wizards, Bessie Cursors, Damon Scott and Kombat Breakers to win.
2008: George Sampson – In series two of Britain’s Got Talent a young George Sampson wowed judges and viewers with his impressive dance moves.
2009: Diversity– Dance troupe Diversity scooped the BGT crown and beat of competition from singer Susan Boyle, who was strongly tipped to win the show.
2010 – Spellbound: Gymnastic troupe Spellbound really impressed judge Simon Cowell with their stunning routines and incredible stunts in 2010. At the time, the music mogul said: “I can only say on live television that was one of the most astonishing things I have ever seen.”
2011 – Jai McDowall: Viewers were stunned when Jai McDowall won the show in 2011, as young singer Ronan Parke was the favourite to win the series.
2012 – Ashleigh and Pudsy: Ashleigh Butler and her adorable pooch Pudsey stole hearts when they performed in series six of the talent show.
2013 – Attraction:Hungarian shadow artist group Attraction won the seventh series of Britain’s Got Talent. The squad had taken part in the German version of BGT in 2012, however, they had only placed seventh.
2014 – Collabro: Classical music band Collabro faced tough competition in the 2014 final as all the finalist were singers, but they went on to scoop the crown.
2015 – Jules O’Dwyer & Matisse: Dog lovers everywhere could’t get enough of Jules O’Dwyer and pet pup Matisse. The impressive duo even performed on a tightrope to secure their win.
2016 – Richard Jones: Army man Richard Jones became the first magician in the show’s history to win Britain’s Got Talent.
2017 – Tokio Myers: Pianist Tokio Myers impressed the judges with his blend of classical and electronic music.
2018 – Lost Voice Guy: Stand-up comedian Lost Voice Guy, who performs with a speech synthesiser, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was six months old. However, he defied the odds and is a BGT champ.
2019 – Colin Thackery: Veteran army officer Colin Thackery warmed the nations hearts with his singing voice. He was crowned winner of BGT after singing Michael Ball’s Love Changes Everything.
2020 – Jon Courtenay: Singer and pianist Jon Courtenay was Ant and Dec’s Golden Buzzer act. After he won the £250,000 prize he said: “”Just amazing, I can’t believe it.”
2022 – Axel Blake: Comedian Axel Blake scooped the crown after the show was off air for two years during Covid.
2023 – Viggo Venn: The reigning BGT champ is comedian Viggo Venn.
Bobby failed to impress the judges with his ‘memory like a goldfish’ routine, but Richard would have put him through.
As his audition began, Richard said: “This guy needs to win! He’s going to be good, for sure. He’s already got my vote.”
But as things went rapidly downhill, Richard’s face fell: “Oh no!” he said.
Despite Bobby receiving four red ‘Xs’, Richard still admitted: “I’d like him to come back in a future episode.”
Richard now works as a full time magician after beating off competition from singers, dancers, a sword swallower and a dog act eight years ago.
Following his win, Lance Corporal Jones performed as a bandsman in the Trooping the Colour, as part of the 90th birthday celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II.
Later that year, he took to the stage at the Royal Variety Performance in London.
- Britain’s Got Talent, 7.30pm, ITV/ ITVX, Saturday April 27
