All eyes were on sword-swallower Alex Magala during Monday’s Britain’s Got Talent live semi-finals.
The dangerous stunt man had promised he would do something special – and boy, did he deliver.
(Screengrab/ITV)
Not only did he swallow a huge knife while being lifted off the stage (that would simply not do), he then blindfolded himself and climbed up a pole as a box full of terrifying spinning drills was positioned below him.
Then he tumbled down the pole and stopped just inches above the drills of doom – as screams could be heard from the audience.
(Screengrab/ITV)
The judges thought his act certainly had the thrill-factor – and it definitely had an effect on the viewers at home.
OMG that was heart stopping, Alex is one crazy guy #BGT2016
— ♥ ♥ Nicky ♥ ♥ (@nickyjane68) May 23, 2016
Holy crap just nearly threw up my tea watching Alex magala #BGT2016
— Mandi Jackson (@MandiB87) May 23, 2016
Many people were very impressed by his skill and bravery and general badass-ness.
Wow, that sword swallowing, stunt guy came as close to death as is possible! Astonishing. "No one has risked their life more".#BGT2016
— A-Lister Photography (@AListerPhoto) May 23, 2016
That Alex Magala is absolutely quality!! 👏🏻🗡 Acts like that should win, not singers and dancers! #BGT2016
— Ben Tollitt (@bentollitt) May 23, 2016
But others weren’t so sure it was exactly Queen-friendly.
It'll be great for the Royal Variety. This dude ceremonially impaling himself in front of the Queen for the 70th anniversary of VJ Day. #bgt
— Margo Milne (@MargoJMilne) May 23, 2016
Think the queen would have a heart attack watching Alex 😳 #BGT2016
— Alex Smith (@AlexSmith4694) May 23, 2016
If the queen watched him I don't think she'd reach 90 tbh #BGT2016
— lucy♡ (@Unionbiebss) May 23, 2016
Simon Cowell asked Alex why he does it (which translates to: what’s wrong with you?) to which he responded that he wants to inspire people to live out their dreams.
But some viewers were not so convinced this kind of activity was in any dreams they’ve ever had. More like a very, very bad nightmare.
Have to say, my dream isn't to to be punctured to death by 30 drills. #BGT2016
— Matt (@MTweeter24) May 23, 2016
Follow your dream. I'd rather try singing than swinging from a rope with a sword down my throat.At least I'd only kill the song. #BGT2016
— Carol (@CarolX227) May 23, 2016
Why are we watching and applauding a man whose dream is to stick knives down his throats? #BGT2016
— Jessica Noonan (@dimplesjess) May 23, 2016
His dream is to die on live tv ….no..no..no…#BGT2016 https://t.co/c9ywROSl3Y
— JayStuartWiltshire (@JayStuartWilt) May 23, 2016
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article