BGT's 167-piece choir costs show a fortune
'Britain's Got Talent' act Cor Glanaethwy are "costing the show a small fortune".
The 167-piece choir are favourites to triumph in the show's live final on ITV on Sunday evening, although the Welsh singers have proved problematic for show-makers who have been struggling to cover their expenses.
As well as accommodation, travel and food and drink, ITV and TV firm Talkback Thames are having to pay for stylists and industry required medical and criminal record checks for the choir's adults.
A show insider explained: "Simon absolutely loves Cor Glanaethwy but they are costing the show a small fortune.
"We are responsible for all their accommodation, then their transport to London and between their hotel and the studio.
"Of course we have to make sure that they are fed and watered during rehearsals and the live shows.
"That's not even taking into account the checking process.
"So while it's great having them in the competition, they have blown our budget. They have cost us an extra six figures."
However, judge Simon Cowell believes the six-figure sum spent on the group - who are set to sing 'Hallelujah' in the final - will be worth it, as he is hoping they will go on to make him money when the show finishes.
The source told The Sun newspaper: "There is no limit to the number of people allowed in one act and as far as Simon is concerned bigger is better, but 167 is taking it to an absolute extreme.
"Still, Simon's a wealthy man and if they go on to win the show and make him an absolute fortune in album sales and concert tickets. Then it will have been money very well spent."
