Britain’s Got Talent finalist Kojo Anim reveals Kevin Hart was his mentor

He soared through to the Britain’s Got Talent semi-finals as Simon Cowell‘s Golden Buzzer act, and will be hoping to scoop the ultimate prize on Sunday’s grand finale. 

Yet Kojo Anim was forced to defend himself against criticism over his success, amid a fan backlash over acts that have already found fame. 

The comedian, 42, spoke with Ruth Langsford and Eammon Holmes on Thursday’s episode of This Morning as he claimed that it is better to already have TV experience before appearing on the show.

Speaking out: Kojo Anim defended himself against criticism over his success on Thursday’s episode of This Morning amid a fan backlash over acts that have already found fame

He explained: ‘I think you know, there is a scary thing winning a show like this with no experience.

‘Your life completely changes and you’re asked to all of a sudden know what to do, in interviews, with press and the media, and things like that, I’ve spent 20 years getting ready.

‘When that blessing was going to arrive, I wasn’t sure. But to have an opportunity to show all the lessons I’ve learned in those 20 years.’

Mentor: Kojo now counts Kevin Hart as a friend after he was the warm-up act for the star’s Wembley show in 2014, and admitted he learned a lot from working with the Hollywood star

Fame: The former Capital Xtra breakfast host also appeared as a panellist on BBC 3 show Free Speech, toured with Dave Chapelle and performed with Chris Rock (pictured)

Kojo first found fame in 2005 when he presented CBBC show The Mighty Truck Of Stuff alongside Reggie Yates, then had his own show, Kojo’s Comedy Funhouse on MTV Base.

The former Capital Xtra breakfast host also appeared as a panellist on BBC 3 show Free Speech, toured with Dave Chapelle and performed with Chris Rock. 

Kojo now counts Kevin Hart as a friend after he was the warm-up act for the star’s Wembley show in 2014, and admitted he learned a lot from working with the Hollywood star.

He explained: ‘I was just being a sponge around names like that, and learning that one day when you’re blessed to have an opportunity like that you know how to conduct yourself. The fundamentals that are so important.’

Speaking out: The comedian, 42, spoke with Ruth Langsford and Eammon Holmes on Thursday’s This Morning as he claimed that it is better to already have TV experience

Speaking out: Kojo explained why his experience is a blessing, reasoning ‘Your life completely changes and you’re asked to all of a sudden know what to do’

Kojo isn’t the only star to have come under fire for having past experience. 

Ant and Dec’s Golden Buzzer act Akshat Singh was blasted by fans after it emerged that he had previously appeared on shows such as Ellen and India’s Got Talent.

Akshat also starred in India’s Strictly Come Dancing, before performing on Australian talent show Little Big Shots in 2017. 

Akshat appeared on Monday’s semi-final but didn’t make it through to the finals.  

A BGT spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘Anyone can apply for Britain’s Got Talent whether they are professional or amateur, irrespective of their past experience, and all contestants are auditioned on merit.’ 

Backlash: Ant and Dec’s Golden Buzzer act Akshat Singh was blasted by fans after it emerged that he had previously appeared on shows such as Ellen and India’s Got Talent