Britain's Got Talent dealt crushing blow as ratings hit 'another all time low'

Britain's Got Talent continues to shed viewers as ratings plummet to a new 'all-time low', fuelling speculation that the long-running series could face the axe.

After nearly two decades on air and initially attracting an impressive 10 million viewers, last week's launch episode became the least-watched in the show's history, with just 3 million viewers.

In a further blow for ITV, 100,000 fewer people watched Saturday's second episode, which saw KSI hit the Golden Buzzer for a 16-year-old musical magician.

The ITV talent show was beaten in the ratings by BBC's Michael McIntyre's Big Show, which pulled in 3.5 million viewers, whilst Gladiators secured 3 million, reports Belfast Live.

Bookmakers are now offering odds of just 2/1 that Britain's Got Talent will be axed after the current series concludes, according to the Daily Mail. Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: "Gone are the days when Britain's Got Talent was raking in mammoth viewing figures. As the numbers fall, so do the odds, and we are now questioning the show's future."

Express has reached out to ITV for comment.

During Saturday's episode, fans were moved to tears as the competition returned with a fresh batch of hopefuls.

Emotional moments during the programme saw KSI leap onto the judges' desk and slam the Golden Buzzer for magician Rafferty Coope, who left the panel speechless with his 'never before seen' act.

Rafferty, who styles himself as the musical magician, revealed that his act would merge his two loves before threading an earphone through a solid glass in Simon Cowell's hand.

He then proceeded to showcase his talent. The act involved a remarkable card trick which culminated in him playing Journey's Don't Stop Believin on the piano - leaving KSI completely astounded.

As the judges gave their feedback, Amanda Holden exclaimed: "We have never ever seen anything like that!".

Alesha Dixon characterised Rafferty as "full of light" before she was interrupted by KSI rising from his chair and marching along the panel to dramatically press the buzzer.

Rafferty covered his face in disbelief and jumped up and down on stage as golden confetti showered down and he was sent straight through to the live finals of this season.

You can catch up on Britain's Got Talent on ITVX

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