'Keep Britain's Got Talent British'

April 29, 2014, 8:11 AM GMT+0

Most people say it’s unacceptable for people not from the UK to compete on Britain’s Got Talent – and even more disapprove of contestants who are already successful

Britain’s Got Talent 2014 is in full swing, and so is the annual spree of complaints about Simon Cowell. This year two of the bookies' favourite acts are foreign, and one has already performed for Vladimir Putin.

I love the fact that people from other countries enter this show," says Simon Cowell - but viewers of the show reveal a different sentiment on YouGov.com:

Indeed, it’s not just people who feel strongly enough to write in that are annoyed. A new poll reveals that 54% of the general population agree that it is unacceptable for people who are not from the UK to compete in the programme. Only 20% say it is acceptable and 26% don’t know.

Even more (60%) say it is not appropriate for people who are already successful to compete. 18% say it is acceptable and 22% don’t know.

This year’s foreign hopefuls are Canadian magician Darcy Oake and Ukrainian dance troop Light Balance. Lettice Rowbotham, described as the “poshest contestant ever”, played at the Russian president’s daughter’s wedding and has also played alongside Olly Murs. Before wowing the audience she said “I am too hungover to be nervous, which I think is great!”

Image: Getty

See the full poll results