Britain’s Got Talent ‘had been asking me on for years’, Markus Birdman admits

Comedian Markus Birdman, who made the semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year, has lifted the lid on the ITV favourite in an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk. 

The comic, who has suffered from two strokes, won audiences over during the competition thanks to his hilarious and somewhat dark observational humour. 

Markus is now due to head off on tour this coming September, where he will bring his unique charm and wit to the stage, beginning in Southend. 

Asked about his experience in the competition, the professional comedy performer admitted he was “pleased” to get as far as he did. 

“It’s such a good platform and such good exposure,” he confirmed, before revealing this year wasn’t the first that ITV had been keen to see him take to the stage.

“I mean, they’ve been asking comics,” he said. “They’ve asked me for a few years, so I just thought, ‘Oh, go on then, I’ll have a go,” without any agenda or thinking how far I’m going to get with this.” 

The last three winners of the competition have been comedic acts, with Norwegian comedian Viggo Venn being crowned the winner this year. 

Comic Axel Blake beat singer Tom Ball and ventriloquist Jamie Leahey the year before, while comedic piano player Jon Courtenay came out on top in 2020.

“I’d love to have made it to the final of course,” Markus continued. “But winning – it’s a lot of pressure. 

“I mean I know Viggo, and I know he’s had a lot of props for winning it, but then he’s also had a lot of criticism for winning it – so it doesn’t always look like great fun. 

“But it would have been nice to have been in the final,” he admitted. “Semi-final is very good though, and it surprised me to get that far.”

Asked about his comedy act and upcoming tour, Markus explained: “The show is about the stroke that I had two years ago, which is actually the second stroke I’ve had.

“You might think that doesn’t sound very funny, but I’ve been very respectful with the subject and worked hard to make it funny without being disrespectful to other people. 

“It’s a funny show and it’s not all about the stroke – there are lots of other bits and bobs as well! 

“But I think people who come and watch it feel like it’s got a bit of a heart to it rather than just a load of jokes.” 

Markus Birdman’s national tour kicks off on September 1 in Southend. Tickets are on sale now and are available from https://www.markusbirdmantour.com.