The second series was won by street dancer George Sampson,[1] with dance duo Signature finishing in second place and opera singer Andrew Johnston third.
[2] ITV was forced to defend the programme during its second series, after viewers criticised the involvement of a professional group in the contest.
With the success of the previous series, the production team decided to expand the show's filming schedule to include more episodes.
Media outlets revealed evidence that the group Escala, who took part in the contest in 2008, had previously been involved as guest performers for a wrap party on The X Factor in 2007.
ITV refuted allegations that this was unfair conduct against other participants, by arguing that the programme's researchers applied the same process and treatment to everyone who auditioned, and that the contest was open to anyone regardless of their experience with the talent they chose to perform with.