The great thing about Britain’s Got Talent is that it attracts all types of characters. We’ve had a man sticking lit torches down his pants, a man who can play the national anthem by squeezing his hands together, and, er… Philip from Birmingham.
A 37 year-old postal worker who couldn’t decide whether to audition as Michael Jackson or as Darth Vader, so he created a brand new character all of his own: the one and only Darth Jackson!
From his head to waist he is unmistakably the evil ruler of the Death Star spaceship, complete with shiny black helmet and light sabre. But from his hips down, he is without question the King of Pop, with his ankle-slapping trousers, trademark white socks and black shoes.
“I’m gonna go on that stage and use my raw talent to blow the minds off everyone,” he tells Ant and Dec before striding purposefully on.
After a quick introduction the audition gets going, and it isn’t very long before the judges and the audience tire of his light sabre demonstration. But Philip has a trick up his cloak!
He signals to the wings and the familiar beats of Billie Jean start blaring from the speakers. The audience are in raptures, Amanda squeals with excitement, and Philip gets his MJ groove on!
He’s got all the moves: the spins, the high kicks, the pelvic thrusts, he even attempts a moonwalk… well, sort of!
When he finishes his routine, he’s won everyone over… everyone, that is, except Simon.
“The act is ridiculous. It’s you, a children’s light sabre, and a very stupid mask,” says Simon.
“For your information that is not a children’s light sabre, that is the Force Effects light sabre,” snaps Philip.
Simon responds: “It doesn’t matter if it’s a children’s thing or an adult’s thing, you’re still behaving like a three year old!”
Piers jumps to Philip’s defence stating his Michael Jackson dancing was a brilliant act: “I like your passion for it, I like your determination for it, and I thought you can dance… it’s a yes from me.”
“On behalf of common sense, decency, and Great Britain, I’m saying no,” says Simon.
“I found it weirdly enjoyable - so I’m saying yes,” says Amanda.
And with that, Darth Jackson is through to the next round, confirming Philip’s earlier prediction that “the force will be strong!”