Britain’s Got Talent: All the fan theories on who is the terrifying Witch – from Ant and Dec to former show winner
BRITAIN’S Got Talent returns this winter – which means the stomach-churning Witch will also make a comeback.
The act’s real identity and age is a closely-guarded secret yet he burst onto the Britain’s Got Talent stage this year, stomping down the steps to each of the judges in turn.
The creepy crone has been dubbed the series’ scariest act ever after stalking the panel handing out apples – one of which exploded in a shower of cockroaches and mealworms.
When it came to judge Amanda the witch held her wrist in one hand and a gnarled stick in the other.
They cackled: “Do you know why they say beauty’s only skin deep? Because we’re all rotten to the core.”
With BGT sister show, Britain’s Got Talent The Ultimate Magician, to air soon, she revealed a major change.
Yet this has re-sparked debate as to the real identity of the haggard character.
Stephen Mulhern
Many have speculated the witch is magician and show co-host, Stephen Mulhern.
Several fans pointed out he was mentioned – in not entirely complimentary terms – just moments before the witch came on stage.
He was the subject of a joke by singer Honey Scott who made a joke about him not being part of the show any more.
Stephen, as well as being a TV presenter, is also one of Britain’s most skilled magicians and was the youngster person admitted to the Magic Circle.
Ian Bartholomew
Some have speculated actor Ian Bartholomew, who played abuser Geoff Metcalfe on the cobbles, could be behind the act.
Ian had auditioned as a musician for the show, singing his song This Time It’s Forever, which left judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams cry but bizarrely his performance never aired.
Introducing himself on stage for his audition, Ian said: “I am from Cheshire. I was in Coronation Street. I played nasty Geoff Metcalfe. He was a nasty piece of work. I started in 2018 and I fell off a roof in the show last year. I am 67.”
He then claimed he had written a song amid the first lockdown, when domestic abuse cases were soaring and three women were dying every two weeks.
One responded to a post about Ian on social media and declared: “He’s the Witch!”
Marc Spellman
Others have speculated Marc Spellman is behind the ward-ridden character.
Many suspect it is really the show’s master illusionist in a heavy disguise.
One tweeted him asking: “Having you been casting any spells tonight Marc? #witch spells?”
Another tweeted: “Anyone else think the witch is Marc Spellmann round 3? great act!”
A third wrote: “Hmmm….. Marc Spellman back again?”
Marc has made two appearances on the show – once as himself and another as the mysterious masked character X back in 2019.
Mark Gatiss
Mark Gatiss is also a name in the frame for the creepy character.
One viewer wrote on Twitter: “Looks like Mark Gatiss in prosthetics to me [laughing emoji].”
Another said: “I was convinced that ‘The Witch’ on BGT was you Mark.”
A third said: “That witch was actually (actually) terrifying & a bit Mark Gatiss-like.”
Mark is a master of disguise having adopted many different characters in his career from the League of Gentleman and Game of Thrones.
Keith Lemon
Some have speculated comedian Keith Lemon has taken a more sinister turn and is the true witch.
Some claimed the character could be Amanda’s old friend Keith Lemon in one of his disguises.
The Celebrity Juice star, 49, is no stranger to dressing up and prosthetics from his days in Bo Selecta and playing her ‘nan’ Myrtle.
Ant or Dec
BGT hosts Ant and Dec have been dubbed as names in the frame.
Sofa detectives have suggested the creepy crawlies in the witch’s apples are in fact a nod to BGT hosts Ant and Dec and their other hit show, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Many also insisted they spotted Declan Donnelly’s eyes beneath the witch’s wrinkly skin and raggy hair.
One person took to Twitter to and shared their theory, writing: “Ya know how ant and Dec Always look like Any and Dec in ‘undercover’ even with all that makeup on… and nobody sees it’s them… I’m getting pure Dec vibes off that witch!!”