A Birmingham pickpocket combined sleight-of-hand, backstage tricks and a surprising age revelation to win four yes votes on Britain's Got Talent
The April 18, 2026 edition of Britain’s Got Talent introduced television viewers to Lee Thompson, a professional pickpocket from Birmingham whose audition blended humour, boldness and polished technique. Thompson invited hosts Ant and Dec on stage and, in a rapid-fire demonstration of sleight-of-hand, removed everyday items without the pair noticing.
Moments after stepping into the spotlight he also delivered a personal confession about his age that visibly surprised the judging panel, setting the tone for a memorable performance.
Across the audition, the performer alternated live trickery with a filmed sequence that highlighted his wider approach to performance.
In that pre-recorded segment he posed as security and discreetly placed wristwatches into audience members’ bags and pockets, demonstrating a mix of rehearsal, misdirection and showmanship. The routine concluded with Thompson returning items and engaging the judges in light-hearted banter, earning both astonishment and amusement from those on and off camera.
The live routine and the age reveal
On stage Lee Thompson used casual conversation and quick movements to divert attention before revealing what he had taken. He gently touched clothing on Ant and Dec, prompting playful questions about whether they worked out, and then disclosed that he had removed items including a phone, a hotel room key and a pair of glasses. The moment that halted the studio was when Thompson answered a judge’s curiosity about his years: admitting he was “touching 60” produced audible disbelief, especially from Amanda Holden, who exclaimed in surprise. Audience perception shifted instantly from incredulity at the tricks to wonder at the performer’s vitality and skill.
Backstage stunts and professional credentials
Beyond the live stage, the audition showcased Thompson’s ability to work around camera setups and backstage environments. His filmed footage showed him slipping items into pockets while in disguise as security, and he even demonstrated the same technique with the judging panel backstage. The sequence reinforced that his act relies on careful planning as much as nimble fingers. Viewers and judges alike noted a theatrical polish: the moves were performed with the confidence of someone who has honed this craft for professional settings.
Film work and consultancy
Thompson’s résumé includes work as a pickpocket consultant on Guy Ritchie’s Prime Video series Young Sherlock, credited with advising on scenes where characters learn or perform surreptitious theft. That background explained the methodical nature of his audition and his flair for blending narrative with trickery. Judges recognised this pedigree: Amanda Holden dubbed him a “modern-day Artful Dodger,” while Simon Cowell offered playful praise, suggesting he would take Thompson shopping — a quip that acknowledged both craft and charm.
Reception, votes and wider show chatter
The panel awarded Thompson four affirmative votes, sending him through to the next stage of the competition. Social feeds filled quickly with admiration for the performance, with many viewers praising the cleverness and humour of the routine. Comments ranged from delighted astonishment at the mechanics of the tricks to admiration for his stage presence. Some fans also joked that the act risked self-incrimination, while others celebrated the entertainment value and theatricality of the audition.
Controversy and context
The episode also sparked debate for unrelated reasons: judge KSI used his Golden Buzzer to send comedy act Mr Cherry, 44, straight through to the live shows after a routine that involved opening pickles and, later, wine bottles with his body. That decision provoked criticism from viewers, who labelled it one of the more contentious uses of that instant-advance mechanism. Meanwhile, a lighter moment from the show’s promotion showed judges celebrating Alesha Dixon‘s birthday and playfully forgetting that Simon Cowell shares the same date, producing a brief, affectionate ribbing among the panel.
For viewers who want to catch the full episode, Britain’s Got Talent airs on Saturday nights at 7pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX. Clips and early-release auditions, like Lee Thompson’s, are often shared online ahead of broadcast, adding to the conversation and giving audiences a chance to see standout acts before the televised slot.
