Britain's Got Talent viewers fume as Amanda Holden appears to take swipe at iconic act

Britain's Got Talent fans have been left fuming after judge Amanda Holden appeared to take a swipe at iconic act Ashleigh and Pudsey, who won the show in 2012 with their impressive dog act. The ITV show returned to our screens last weekend, with a new batch of hopefuls hoping to impress judges Amanda, Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli.

During the first episode, a dog act called The Trickstars auditioned for the judges and the mum-of-two was full of praise for the dog trainer called Lucy. The radio host, who recently did a bikini shoot, explained: "You are incredible because I can just about get my dog out in the garden for a wee. It was incredible.

"I would agree with Bruno and go as far as to say it's the best dog act we've ever had on the show." Lucy was ecstatic as she received four yeses from the judges and was sent straight through to the next round.

However, viewers weren't happy with Amanda's comments and rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to point out that Ashleigh and her late pooch Pudsey were the best dog act in the history of the programme.

One ITV viewer fumed: "Best dog act??? Scuse me Ashleigh and Pudsey who????" (sic) Another social media user said: "Dog acts on got talent nothing will beat the late pudsey. (sic)

Somebody else agreed: "No one will beat Pudsey the dog I fear - don't even try."

While yet another raged: "Shes never going to be as good as Pudsey and her trainer Ashley."

However, not everybody agreed as one argued: "That's what you call a dog act! Never thought Ashleigh and Pudsey would be bettered. #BGT."

Elsewhere in the opening weekend episodes, Amanda and co-judge Alesha were reduced to tears on Sunday night's episode after watching choir group Ravi's Dream Team on the ITV show.

As they took to the stage, eight-year-old Ravi Adelekan, was front and centre, as he told the Britain’s Got Talent judges a bit about their act.

When Simon, who surprised viewers with his appearance, asked what made them want to audition, Ravi said: "I’ve watched BGT all my life and have always wanted to audition. Two years ago I was diagnosed with a brain tumour."

Also on stage taking part were Ravi’s family, medical professionals who helped him within the past year and other children from the brain tumour community. As soon as they started singing the ITV judges were in awe. Once they’d finished, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as the audience and judges all stood in applause.

Britain's Got Talent continues at 7:30pm on Saturday on ITV1 and ITVX.