Simon Cowell calls in police over BGT 'fix' claims

Simon Cowell calls in police over BGT 'fix' claims
Simon Cowell calls in police over BGT 'fix' claims (Image credit: PA Archive/PA Photos)

Simon Cowell has called in police over internet claims that Britain's Got Talent is fixed. The panel judge made the complaint to officers after an anonymous internet blogger alleged that show favourite Ronan Parke had been groomed for stardom. The blogger claimed that the 12-year-old, who has won a place in Saturday night's final on the ITV1 show, had been known to Simon's firm, Syco, for two years, and that he already has a management deal and has been moulded to appeal to the audience. Claims that his hairstyle, clothing and mannerisms were all choreographed were also made. The allegations resulted in Simon's lawyers going to a west London police station to report the offence. A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "An allegation of malicious communications was made to Kensington and Chelsea police on Thursday June 2. "The allegation is being considered." The schoolboy won the viewers' vote in the first semi-final on Monday night, putting him straight through to the Saturday show. Syco and Sony Music said they would take legal action to 'prevent further publication of these unfounded allegations'. Ronan's mother Maggie also dismissed the claims that he was auditioned by talent scouts who had spotted him performing at a birthday party for family friend Bryan Gunn, the former Norwich City goalkeeper. "It's laughable, to be perfectly honest with you, and it couldn't be further from the truth," she told BBC Radio Norfolk.

Patrick McLennan

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix. 


An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.