[tellyblues]

I don't think it's a case that they wouldn't be able to fill the show with UK talent - it's that it's easier for them to cast international acts with a proven record. I don't even think an increased reliance on singers would be as much of an issue now X Factor has gone.

As always it's about balance and we've had years in the past where the balance has tipped too far in the direction of singers, dancers, magicians or comedians and this year it feels like that with the international acts. They've gone from a handful making up the numbers to feeling like they overly dominate this year.

International acts having a proven record ties in with what I've said previously - too many people apply for BGT having just the one routine and are soon found out. In the early days, the show was set up for people releasing albums afterwards and therefore appealing to people who wanted a "career" in music. Even though X Factor isn't around, there still isn't a great appetite for serious singers to want to be on the show because it gives them nothing and they don't want to be judged amongst comedy acts or whatever. That's what The Voice is for but that fails time and time again because it's an out of date format.

I agree about balance but it's a fine line to tread - should it be a balance in quality or balance in numbers? There could be an equal distribution of acts in the semi finals but it comes down to what viewers vote for. The year with the magicians I remember saying at the time that so many of them got through to the final because they were up against weak competition. Again, we're back to quality.