'Britain's Got Talent' has halved its cash prize.
The winner of this year's series of the ITV talent competition will take home 50 per cent less than last year's victors, Ashleigh and Pudsey, as show bosses have slashed the jackpot from £500,000 to £250,000.
The prize fund was increased from £100,000 last year in a bid to boost ratings after the 2011 series was panned, and head judge Simon Cowell - who also produces the show - offered up half of the extravagant £500,000 payout himself.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Half a million was a massive prize -- one of the biggest on telly. But it was only supposed to be for one year."
However, despite the prize fund being cut, show insiders insist winning the show is still "life-changing" as the winner will receive a slot on the prestigious Royal Variety Performance, as well as publicity from the show.
A source added: "BGT is a massive platform for the acts. Some of them are carving out careers but the show turns them into household names. Look at SuBo. She was desperate for a break. The show gave that to her and now she is worth millions of pounds."
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