Britain’s Got Talent has pulled a stunt performer who was filmed showcasing stunts involving knives following the murder of schoolboy Daniel Anjorin this week.
On Tuesday, 14-year-old Daniel was murdered and four others were injured – including two police officers – after a man went on a frenzied attack with a sword in Hainault, East London. Tragic Daniel – described by friends as “wonderful” and a hardworking student – was killed on his way to school.
The brutal killing has shocked the nation, with the harrowing events prompting Britain’s Got Talent bosses to edit out scenes that saw professional sword swallower Heather Holliday stunning show judges with her skills.
Heather has been branded ‘The World’s Craziest Sword Swallower’ by the Guinness World Records and she has been watched by crowds swallowing multiple solid steel swords. Police arrested a 36-year-old man, later named as Spanish-Brazillian Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo,
following the fatal stabbing of Daniel and he has since appeared in court charged with murder. Reports have claimed he used a samurai sword to conduct his violent spree.
Daniel Anjorin was murdered on Tuesday morning (
Image:
PA)
Britain’s Got Talent – hosted by 48-year-old Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, and judged by Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli – now won’t feature the sword swallowing act in light of the crimes in London. A source told
the MailOnline: “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.”
While a show source added: “Following the horrific murder of Daniel Anjorin this week, Britain’s Got Talent acted quickly with making the necessary changes to Saturday night’s show.
“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.”
Heather Holliday has previously discussed her daring act, explaining: “Sword swallowing is quite dangerous. One of the things that drew me to it though, I take it very seriously and take all the precautions I can, but I still do things to amplify the danger.”
Monzo did not enter a plea in Westminster Magistrates’ Court when he appeared before officials on Thursday. He has been held in custody and is due to attend a hearing at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.
Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, said during an LBC radio interview on Wednesday: “The first thing you have to say is for the parents involved, who’ve lost their 14-year-old, and that is just horrific, and it’s everyone’s worst nightmare. I’m sure we’re all thinking about them.” Reports have described Daniel as “quiet” and “nice” and that he was “in the wrong place at the wrong time”.