ITVDeclan Donnelly has done an excellent job of steering the Britain’s Got Talent ship solo, but unfortunately, he made a huge blunder when announcing this year’s winner.
Newcastle comic ‘Lost Voice Guy’ – real name Lee Ridley – was a worthy winner of the competition, becoming the very first comedian to win it.
However, Dec momentarily appeared to forget how the 37-year-old funnyman was unable to use his voice – hence his stage name – and had to speak through a tablet based synthesiser.
After announcing the results during Sunday’s final, (June 3) the 42-year-old presenter held the microphone towards the champion’s mouth; despite him being unable to speak due to his cerebral palsy.
@millier0gers me When I tell patients in wheelchairs to take a seat ? then think about how much of a horrible person I am for the next 12 years
— Céline (@CelineGordonnn) June 3, 2018
Awww bless , what can you do in those situations where words slip out tho hey ??♀️ just gotta cross your fingers and hope they take it well ??
— Liam Woodall? (@WoodallLiam) June 3, 2018
Feel kind of bad for Dec putting the mic out so the Lost Voice Guy could speak…
— Antonio Buonaguro (@a_buonaguro) June 3, 2018
When the exciting results were announced – much to the joy of the applauding audience – Lee used his synthesiser to express his gratitude in his usual humorous way:
I have been blown away by the support of the judges and the general public. I’m very excited to perform in front of The Queen.
I’ve loved her since she sang Bohemian Rhapsody.
Lee was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at just six-months-old and subsequently lost the ability to speak.
However, he hasn’t let this hold his back from expressing himself; working as a journalist before turning to comedy.
You can watch the blunder for yourself below:
Fans were quick to note the blunder, sympathising with Dec for his mistake.
One person said:
If you ever feel awkward, just remember Dec went to give Lost Voice Guy the mic.
Another rushed to Dec’s defence, protesting:
In my opinion, Dec was doing his job with Lost Voice Guy just as he would anyone else. And why shouldn’t he?
Just because Lost Voice Guy doesn’t use his voice doesn’t mean he doesn’t require the mic towards him.
If you ever feel awkward, just remember Dec went to give Lost Voice Guy the mic ???♂️ #BGTFinal
— Jordan GI (@jordangi99) June 3, 2018
Omg so I’ve just seen after Lost Voice Guy won, Dec asked him a question and out of force of habit put the mic to him and then realised and his face was priceless ?? #BGT
— All Ant and Dec (@allantanddec) June 4, 2018
In my opinion, Dec @antanddec was doing his job with #lostvoiceguy just as he would anyone else. And why shouldn't he? Just because #LostVoiceGuy doesnt use his voice doesnt mean he doesnt require the mic towards him. I didn't see the 'funny' point you were trying to make.
— Wonder woman (@fairywings9) June 3, 2018
Don’t get me wrong Dec @antanddec done a fantastic job presenting this years BGT solo. But I couldn’t help but piss myself laughing when he passed the mic to ‘Lost Voice Guy’ for how he felt on winning ???? pic.twitter.com/nNO4x1s03g
— Tasha (@_T4SH4_) June 3, 2018
So awkward watching Dec put the mic to “the lost voice guy” to give a winning speech, he Obvs can’t talk you fanny ???
— Alicia J Thompson (@aliciajthomps0n) June 3, 2018
However, others were shocked at Dec’s error, describing his mistake as ‘ruthless.’
Another scolded:
Imagine passing the mic over to the lost voice guy !!! Come on Dec. [sic]
Did Dec really just put the mic to the mouth of the lost voice guy..
— Ryan (@ryan_thornton1) June 3, 2018
Anyone else cringe when Dec just held the mic to lost voice guy…. #BGTFinal
— ᏋᎷᎷᏗ ᏝᎧᏬᎥᏕᏋ ? (@Emma94B) June 3, 2018
Imagine passing the mic over to the lost voice guy !!! Come on Dec ??? #BritainsGotTalent #BGTfinal #BGT
— Danny Farkas (@dfarkas89) June 3, 2018
So Lost Voice Guy wins #BGT, and the first thing Dec does is ask him how he feels and stick a mic in his face ?
— Terry Gill (@terry_gill) June 3, 2018
Earlier this week, Lee suffered a bad fall in the hotel room where he was staying. Despite his accident and subsequent injuries, he was determined to compete in the final.
Joking about his injuries, Lee tweeted a picture of his bruised face on Twitter with the following quip:
This is why Lost Balance Guy never made it onto #BGT.
Don’t worry though, it was only a trip. I’ll be match fit for the final on Sunday!
This is why Lost Balance Guy never made it onto #BGT. Don’t worry though, it was only a trip. I’ll be match fit for the final on Sunday! @BGT pic.twitter.com/SBSXCy02OF
— Lost Voice Guy (@LostVoiceGuy) May 30, 2018
His perseverance paid off, and he truly tickled the public’s funny bones in the live final; beating bookies’ favourite and fellow comedian, Robert White.
Fans were delighted by his success, hailing him as an inspiration for those facing challenges in life.
One person tweeted:
What Lost Voice Guy is able to do despite the loss of his voice is nothing short of incredible. That is talent right there.
Another said:
Lost voice guy stands for much more than comedy, he stands for all those people out there with a disability and showing the world no matter what life throws at you, you can still live your best life.
Just putting this out there – Lost Voice Guy didn’t win just because he’s disabled. He won because he’s hilarious. End of story. I didn’t vote to give him sympathy – I voted because he deserved it. #BGTFinal
— emily hill (@itsemilyhill) June 3, 2018
Well done, British voting public. You helped defeat the non-talent that is Donchez and allowed real talent to win. What Lost Voice Guy is able to do despite the loss of his voice is nothing short of incredible. That is talent right there. #BGTFinal
— Sean the Mondasian Cyberman (@WhoPotterVian) June 3, 2018
Lost voice guy stands for much more than comedy, he stands for all those people out there with a disability and showing the world no matter what life throws at you, you can still live your best life ❤️ #BGTfinal2018
— Isobel Day ? (@IsobelCostello) June 3, 2018
Well done Lee! A worthy winner!
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.