Britain’s Got Talent will not air the audition of late contestant Jack Saunders, bosses have confirmed.
The 25-year-old dancer died by suicide in March, after trying out for the ITV talent show with his dance group Green Force Five earlier in the year.
It has now been decided the group’s audition will not air as part of the current series, after the remaining four members made a decision to withdraw from the competition.
A spokesperson for the show confirmed to Metro: “Green Force Five have made the decision to withdraw from Britain’s Got Talent and this is fully supported by Jack’s family.
“Our thoughts, of course, remain focused on Jack’s family and friends.”
It was previously reported Green Force Five had successfully made it through to the live semi-finals of this year’s BGT.
Jack’s audition came after he previously appeared as a dancer on The X Factor in 2014. He also competed on Sky1′s Got to Dance in 2012, reaching the finals as part of Unity UK.
At the age of 18, Jack also danced at the London Olympics in 2012.
After news of Jack’s death broke, his mum Sandra paid tribute to her son in an interview with The Mirror.
She said: “People can’t believe Jack is gone. We are the same. Jack was a kind soul. He worried about everyone else – always focused on others to make sure they were OK. He was the shoulder you cried on.”
Useful websites and helplines:
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
- Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
- The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@themix.org.uk
- Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0300 5000 927 (open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on www.rethink.org.
