Britain’s Got Talent ‘drop knife act from Saturday’s show’ after Hainault sword attack and 14 year old’s death
BRITAIN’s Got Talent has dropped a knife act from Saturday’s auditions after a sword attack claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy in Hainult.
A 36-year-old man appeared in court charged with murder after the schoolboy was stabbed with a samurai sword in east London on Tuesday.
ITV bosses quickly made the decision to change the programme out of respect for the family of teenager Daniel Anjorin.
A TV source said: “Producers felt, following the devastating attacks this week, it would be wrong to air the stunt act this weekend.
“The edit was changed and it is absolutely right for show bosses to pull the act from episode four.”
Viewers has been due to watch BGT hopeful Heather Holliday peform her sword swallowing act in front of judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli.
The American stuntwoman, who has been named The World’s Craziest Sword Swallower by Guinness World Records, filmed her audition earlier this year.
An insider added to MailOnline: “Given the brutality of the crime and the nature of Heather Holliday’s act, it was decided she wouldn’t feature during episode four.
“It is nothing the contestant has done, but bosses felt it would send the wrong message at this extremely difficult time for the families and those who have been affected by the tragic events of this week.”
Spanish-Brazilian national Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo appeared in court on Thursday accused of killing Daniel.
Monzo, from Newham, east London was also charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article.
The horror unfolded on Tuesday just before 7am when a van smashed into a house in Laing Close.
The suspect was allegedly seen prowling the streets armed with a huge sword.
Neighbours said they shouted at Daniel as the attacker approached but because he was wearing headphones he didn’t hear them.
As he turned around he was slashed in the face by the sword, and “didn’t stand a chance,” according to one witness.
When police arrived, Monzo allegedly jumped from a bush and attacked the female cop before allegedly injuring a second officer.
Monzo was remanded into custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on Friday.
The Met ruled out terrorism and said they did not believe the attack was targeted.
Tributes have flooded in for Daniel, who was the youngest of three children from a local, church-going Nigerian family.
His mum Grace Anjorin, 49, is a science teacher, while dad Dr Ebenezer Anjorin, 59, works as a health and safety consultant.
Daniel’s heartbroken family paid tribute to a “wonderful child” on Wednesday, saying his loss “leaves a gaping wound in the family”.
They told Sky News: “No family should have to go through what we are experiencing today. Any family will understand it’s an absolute tragedy.”