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Did BGT bosses bend truth?

Britain’s Got Talent hit by two claims of faking after show featured a group of professional contortionists and a ‘made-up’ fan tweet

Angara Contortion live in the US and perform professionally with Cirque du Soleil show Kurios

BRITAIN’S Got Talent has been hit by claims of faking it over a contortionists act and a viewer tweet.

Angara Contortion, who went through with four yeses on Saturday night, claimed they watched the show from their home in Russia.

 Angara Contortion went through with four yeses on Saturday night
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Angara Contortion went through with four yeses on Saturday nightCredit: PA:Press Association

The group described being on Britain’s Got Talent as “like a dream”.

But the foursome live in the US and are professional performers with Cirque du Soleil show Kurios.

That has staged more than 1,100 events worldwide since 2014.

 The contortionists claimed to have watched the episode from their home in Russia
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The contortionists claimed to have watched the episode from their home in RussiaCredit: PA:Press Association

In an interview on their Facebook page, one of the girls, Imina Tsydendambaeva, reveals she has been working with Cirque du Soleil since 2010.

Cirque du Soleil is the largest theatrical production in the world with over 160 million people in more 400 countries having watched its various productions.

 Angara Contortion live in America and have been part of Cirque du Soleil since 2010
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Angara Contortion live in America and have been part of Cirque du Soleil since 2010Credit: ITV

Angara Contortion have also performed for millions of US TV viewers on James Corden’s The Late, Late Show.

Before the group made their appearance, the episode opened by quoting gushing social media posts from viewers about the show —  including a tweet from a fan called Sarah Schofield saying: “Can’t wait for BGT tonight! #BGT”

 The timing of Sarah Schofield's tweet aroused suspicion as it was sent only two hours before the broadcast
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The timing of Sarah Schofield's tweet aroused suspicion as it was sent only two hours before the broadcast

It was sent at 5.59pm on Saturday, two hours before the episode aired — and too close to broadcast to be added in.

Sarah lists herself as a boss at a PR firm which boosts brands on social media. A TV insider said: “All signs point to BGT recruiting someone to post a fake tweet.”

 Their show has staged more than 1,100 events worldwide since 2014
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Their show has staged more than 1,100 events worldwide since 2014

But a show source said she was a fan as well as a pal of the producer who was told in advance what her tweet would be. They added: “It’s perfectly innocent. Even so, bosses reminded the producer of his responsibilities.”

A show spokeswoman said of the contortionists: “Anyone can apply whether pro or amateur.”