Britain’s Got Talent is back this weekend for its 18th series. (Image: ITV)
is back this weekend for its highly anticipated 18th season. Veteran hosts are gearing up for another electrifying stint on the ITV talent show, where they will be joined by judges including , , , and .
To add to the excitement, YouTuber KSI is set to make his judging debut on the show.
In a departure from tradition, the 2025 edition of the show will begin earlier in the year and promises four months of weekly episodes, culminating in the May finale.
The show has offered fans countless memorable moments throughout its 18-year history, including stunning performances from the likes of Susan Boyle, Diversity, and first winner Paul Potts.
However, some moments have been downright terrifying and ended in a series of horrifying injuries. As BGT begins its new series, we take a look back at some of the more terrifying incidents, including some that could have been fatal.
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Escapologist Matt Johnson ‘nearly died’ during his BGT performance. (Image: ITV)
Near death on stage
Escapologist Matt Johnson was forced to call on paramedics when his terrifying stunt went awry during the Britain’s Got Talent live semi-final in 2018.
Before the performance, Matt said there was a “good chance” he could die and described the stunt as “hell on earth”.
He attempted to pick locks while submerged in a tank of water, but tensions rose by the second and it quickly became apparent that Matt was in trouble when he struggled to free himself.
The 43-year-old frantically struggled to escape with his head underwater and went beyond his safety zone time limit before gesturing for paramedics to help.
Thankfully, despite signalling for help, Matt managed to free himself after an agonising two-minute ordeal and looked visibly shaken as he gasped for air.
Judge David Walliams commented: “This is the perfect act for anyone who wants to watch someone drown. I was really worried for you when the paramedic came on.”
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BGT contestant Jonathan Goodwin was paralysed after a stunt-gone-wrong. (Image: @jonathangoodwinofficial/Instagram)
Devastating stunt gone wrong
Britain’s Got Talent 2019 contestant Jonathan Goodwin was left paralysed following a devastating rehearsal accident. While participating in America’s Got Talent: Extreme in October 2021, Jonathan planned a stunt that involved escaping from a straight jacket while suspended upside down between two cars, 30ft in the air, and falling onto a mattress below.
Tragically, a rehearsal run went horribly wrong when the cars collided and burst into flames upon impact, with Jonathan trapped in between. He missed the mattress as he fell, resulting in severe injuries, including internal organ damage and third-degree burns.
Following his terrifying ordeal, Jonathan’s fiancee, actress , recounted the severity of his injuries, stating, “He fell 30ft and lost a kidney, broke both shoulder blades, shattered both legs. Third degree burns, broke his spine and severed his spinal cord and nearly died. And then on the operating table he nearly died again.”
Amanda praised his unwavering optimism, saying: “His courage and his strength is something that I just aspire to be like. He’s just incredible, honestly, like so happy, just like a very happy, positive human being, just liquid sunshine. He’s amazing.”
After the accident, Jonathan has embarked on a new career path, retraining as a hypnotherapist. He also serves as an ambassador for the UK-based Spinal Injuries Association.
The Britain’s Got Talent star shared a photo of his leg in pins. (Image: Instagram)
Leg ‘in pins’
Viewers of Britain’s Got Talent were left in shock following a horrifying onstage accident during last year’s final. One member of Ssaulabi Performance Troupe suffered a nasty fall during the routine and landed awkwardly on their foot.
The South Korean performer had to crawl off stage in agony and an ambulance was called to rush them to hospital.
In the aftermath of the nail-biting final, the martial arts expert spent a few days in hospital and their leg was held together by pins and covered in bandages.
Posting on the performer, known as Chaw Chaw, shared a snap of his leg in a metal brace and simply captioned the picture with a “sigh”.
BGT star Paddy Jones cracked her ribs before the semi-final. (Image: ITV)
Cracked ribs
79-year-old salsa-dancing granny Paddy Jones cracked her ribs while rehearsing for a semi-final in 2014.
Paddy was left bedridden for days after the incident, and she and her dance partner Nico Espinosa were forced to withdraw from the competition.
A spokesperson said at the time: “After seeking medical advice, Paddy will not be able to perform in the semi-final. Unfortunately because of this Paddy and Nico have had to withdraw from the competition.”