Britain's Got Talent kicks off 18th season with shocking naked act

The upcoming 18th series of ITV's 'Britain's Got Talent' is set to launch on February 22, featuring a variety of astonishing performances, including a daring act by variety performer Akira, who appeared completely naked on stage with only a metal plate for coverage. The preview showcased the judges' reactions, with host Ant McPartlin expressing his shock and Simon Cowell bursting into laughter at the eccentric performance that cleverly utilized British props, including an inflatable beach ball attached to a toy bus. Additionally, the series will introduce a comedy impressionist and an 8-year-old magician among other acts, promising a mix of emotional and jaw-dropping moments. YouTube star KSI will serve as a guest judge throughout the series, replacing Bruno Tonioli due to his commitments in the US. KSI shared his enthusiasm, recalling his admiration for previous seasons of the show. This season is expected to be the longest yet, with a fresh format for the live semi-finals, airing weekly instead of nightly.