TikTok and Talkback Thames partner to give an emerging creator a first-of-its-kind opportunity at one of Britain’s biggest TV moments, bringing fans closer to the live final than ever before
TikTok today announces creator Mathilde Barker (@mathildebarker [tiktok.com]) as the first-ever TikTok Backstage Reporter for the Britain’s Got Talent live final on ITV1 & ITVX this Saturday, May 30. The initiative, created in partnership with Talkback Thames, a Fremantle label, marks a first-of-its-kind opportunity giving emerging creators a foothold into mainstream television and shaping how audiences discover and connect with their favourite shows.
In partnership between TikTok & Talkback Thames, Mathilde will capture exclusive behind-the-scenes access at the Britain’s Got Talent finale, appearing across both the official Britain’s Got Talent (@bgt) TikTok account and as part of live finale coverage during one of the UK’s biggest television moments of the year. From interviewing contestants and capturing backstage reactions to bringing fans closer to judges and production moments, Mathilde will help audiences experience the live final in an entirely new way.
Mathilde Barker is a presenter and TikTok creator with more than 479k followers, known for her entertainment content and pop culture commentary. Throughout this season of Britain’s Got Talent, she has been sharing reactions, discussing standout moments and revisiting favourite acts from the show’s history. Mathilde is now taking the next step from creator to on-screen talent, bringing her community from TikTok to one of Britain’s biggest television stages.
When asked about being the first-ever TikTok Backstage Reporter, Mathilde Barker said, "I have been watching Britain’s Got Talent for as long as I can remember! I’d look forward to Saturday nights, sitting down with my family to watch the show with “picky bits” for dinner then rewatching my favourite moments! As you can imagine, I am THRILLED to be the official backstage reporter for this year’s live final. The talent this year has been on another level and to get the chance to chat to the acts face-to-face is so exciting and I can’t wait to share the exclusives with all of you guys over on TikTok!"
The announcement comes amid a huge season for Britain’s Got Talent on TikTok and builds on TikTok and Fremantle UK's Spotlight partnership, designed to help entertainment brands tap into TikTok’s uniquely engaged community of fans. This season, Britain’s Got Talent content has generated more than 140k posts shared by the community. Fan reactions and viral moments have helped extend the show’s cultural footprint far beyond Saturday evenings, transforming broadcast moments into ongoing conversation. Through TikTok, audiences can go beyond watching a show and fully immerse themselves in the fandom surrounding it, discovering content, joining conversations and becoming part of the community driving culture around entertainment today.
TikTok is increasingly helping breathe new life into mainstream TV and entertainment formats by turning viewers into participants. Entertainment on TikTok is powered by a diverse and highly creative community where fans react, remix and drive conversation long after broadcast moments end. Research shows 80% of TikTok users have engaged with their favourite TV show or movie on TikTok, while 69% have co-created content related to a show or film, demonstrating the growing role communities play in shaping entertainment culture.
