I've been watching BGT since it started - here's why it needs a format shake-up

Britain's Got Talent has been airing on ITV since 2007, with the programme making singers like Paul Potts and Susan Boyle, as well as dance act Diversity, household names over the years.

Simon Cowell's reality television creation has become an ITV staple, with this year's winner, singer Sydnie Christmas, 28, securing the eye-watering £250,000 prize fund, plus a spot performing at this year's Royal Variety Performance.

The gifted vocalist was judge Amanda Holden's Golden Buzzer in the audition stage, and while she was voted by viewers to be crowned this year's winner, her victory has been met with some major criticism.

Earlier this year, it came to light that Sydnie, who hails from Gravesham and works in a gym, has a musical background, having starred in the production Starlight Express and worked as a cruise ship singer.

Her social media is full of snaps from her background of performing around the world. While the star has shut down claims she's ever been in a West End production, it leaves me thinking it's time for a format change if Britain's Got Talent wants to continue airing.

Nothing seems to get past Britain's Got Talent fans - especially with non-stop tweeting happening throughout each episode as every second goes by.

It doesn't take long for fans to tap into contestant's backgrounds thanks to a quick Google search. For example, viewers soon discovered semi-finalist Geneviève Côté, who mimics the sounds of nature, had also appeared on America's Got Talent and Canada's Got Talent.

Meanwhile, semi-finalist Innocent Masuku turned out to be a professional tenor, with a history of being an opera singer in productions which include Carmen, based at the London Coliseum.

This brings me to Sydnie, whose musical background is evident from a quick look on her Instagram. While there is no doubt these contestants are all extremely talented, it begs the question - should they have been allowed to audition in the first place?

Now, head judge Simon said during this year's final that “none of them [the finalists] are professional", but who is he trying to fool?

While the latest application form does not state anything about acts not being allowed to participate in the show if they are professional singers, it seems odd Simon wanted to mention no acts were "professionals" in the final.

Viewers at home, including myself, adore the idea of someone who has never performed in public, going onto the ITV show to showcase their talents to the nation. We like to support underdogs and want to trust the show is organic.

When watching contestants who have been on rival talent shows apply - or ones with musical backgrounds, it feels a bit "fixed".

Sydnie's recent win has sparked a "fix row" among viewers who felt her name would be called as the 2024 champion since day one. However, there is no concrete evidence to prove this.

But if Britain's Got Talent is to mark its 20th anniversary in a few years, producers should only accept applicants who have no professional experience in their field of talent. It might help gain viewers' support and keep the programme fresh.

Despite fans threatening to boycott the programme following the controversial final, ITV stated today that "the final attracted ITV's biggest overnight audience of the year so far, outside of the FA Cup, with an average audience of 5.2m and a share of 39 per cent".

However, if viewers feel the show is "rigged" next year might well and truly be the programme's last series to air.

Britain's Got Talent episodes are available to watch on ITVX.