Britain’s Got Talent's Nabil Abdulrashid gets death threats after semi-final performance

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This image and the information contained herein is strictly embargoed until 00.01 Saturday 3rd October 2020  From Syco / Thames  Britain's Got Talent: SR14: Semi Final Ep5 on ITV  Pictured: Nabil.  This photograph is (C) Syco/Thames and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk.  This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms  For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052
Britain's Got Talent's Nabil. (Syco/Thames)

Britain’s Got Talent finalist Nabil Abdulrashid has been on the receiving end of death threats and abuse following his semi-final routine on the ITV talent show.

The comedian had the judges in hysterics in last weekend’s episode with a series of jokes that Alesha Dixon branded “edgy”.

But despite the praise he received over his routine, which addressed race and religion, some viewers took exception to his jokes, he said on social media.

Watch: Alesha Dixon gives the golden go-ahead to Nabil Abdulrashid

He tweeted: “Funny how I made fun of lefties too but so far it’s not them wishing death on me or sending me abuse.. hmmm who were the snowflakes again?”

He went on to promise that his routine for the final would not include jokes about racism, on one condition.

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He said: “I promise to do no jokes about racism or Islamophobia in my final if I experience no racism or Islamophobia between now and then.”

The routine saw the funnyman talking about being recognised and fans confusing him with TV presenter and rapper Big Narstie, which he said wasn’t a joke about race, but “a joke about being fat”.

This image and the information contained herein is strictly embargoed until 22.00 Saturday 3rd October 2020  From Syco / Thames  Britain's Got Talent: SR14: Semi Final Ep5 on ITV  Pictured: Nabil.  This photograph is (C) Syco/Thames and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk.  This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms  For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052
Britain's Got Talent's Nabil. (C) Syco/Thames

The performance went down a storm with judges Dixon, David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Ashley Banjo, with Dixon opting to use her golden buzzer, which automatically guarantees the performer a place in the final.

She said after the audition: “The reason I pressed my golden buzzer for you is because I love things that are a bit edgy, a bit different, and you’re that guy.

Read more: Alesha Dixon shows support to Ashley Banjo with Black Lives Matter-inspired jewellery

“It’s OK to feel a bit uncomfortable with comedy, that is what comedy is about.

“I think you’re very brave to take on the subject of racism, it’s very poignant right now and we all need to learn to laugh a bit more and have a sense of humour.”

Britain’s Got Talent continues next Saturday on ITV.

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