ITV bosses have made the decision not to air footage of an act during this weekend's episode of Britain's Got Talent following the tragic death of a schoolboy after a fatal sword attack in London, it has been reported.
A critical incident was declared on Tuesday (30 March) morning as a man went on a rampage near the Hainault tube station in the north of the capital while wielding a large weapon.
Daniel Anjorin, 14, was killed while walking to school while four others were also injured in the horror attack.
And out of respect for Anjorin, producers behind Britain's Got Talent have reportedly opted to edit out Heather Holliday's audition where she showed off her skills as a professional sword swallower.
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Viewers were set to see the American stuntwoman perform in front of judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and Bruno Tonioli this weekend, before bosses pulled the plug after 'calling an emergency meeting', the Daily Mail has claimed.
Producers believed it would be in bad taste to air Holliday's act, according to the publication.
A insider source said: "'Following the horrific murder of Daniel Anjorin this week, Britain's Got Talent acted quickly with making the necessary changes to Saturday night's show.
"Given the brutality of the crime and the nature of Heather Holliday's act, it was decided she wouldn't feature during episode four.
"It is nothing the contestant has done, but bosses felt it would send the wrong message at this extremely difficult time for the families and those who have been affected by the tragic events of this week."
Despite the fact that auditions for the ITV show are filmed far in advance, the final episode can still be tweaked in the days before it is broadcast on either Saturday or Sunday night.
LADbible has contacted ITV for comment.
Holliday has already been crowned ‘The World’s Craziest Sword Swallower’ by Guinness World Records, and her unique talents include swallowing a curved sword lay down, swallowing six sword at the same time and regurgitation, which involves her swallowing objects such as a metal ball and then bringing it back up.
Although the decision is not a reflection on her performance, ITV were reportedly keen to be sensitive to Daniel's loved ones and the wider community who have been rocked by the tragic events which unfolded earlier this week.
In a statement on Tuesday (30 April), the Metropolitan Police said: "Police and other emergency services are in Hainault, east London, at a serious incident in which a man with a sword has been arrested.
"We were called shortly before 7am to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in the Thurlow Gardens area. There were reports people have been stabbed.
"At this time we understand the suspect went on to attack other members of the public and two police officers.
"We are awaiting an update on the condition of those injured. A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene and he is in custody."
The force have since named Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monz as the suspect in the 'truly horrific' incident, who has now been charged with murder.
Topics: Britains Got Talent, ITV, TV, London, Crime, UK News
Olivia Burke