Who Are the Dancing Stormtroopers That Simon Cowell Gave a Golden Buzzer on ‘Britain’s Got Talent?’

Petr Svab

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Petr Svab is a reporter covering New York. Previously, he covered national topics including politics, economy, education, and law enforcement.

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May 8, 2016Updated: October 5, 2018

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Simon Cowell gave a rare Golden Buzzer to Boogie Storm on Saturday night, sending the mysterious stormtrooper dance troupe straight to semi-finals of “Britain’s Got Talent.”

During the May 7 broadcast of the show’s auditions, two individuals in stormtrooper Star Wars costumes entered the stage turned to judges and then didn’t respond to any of their questions. Finally, Amanda Holden wished them good luck and the stormtroopers left the stage. Moments later, a crew of six stormtroopers marched in accompanied by, fittingly, the “Imperial March” of the original “Star Wars” trilogy.

The crew successively recreated dance routines of popular songs including Silentó’s “Watch Me,” Psy’s “Gangnam Style,” and Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies.”

As the routine finished, the crowd went crazy.

Cowell, the only one who hadn’t used the golden buzzer yet, stood up and gave the group thumbs up, but then he sat down again. The crowd kept chanting while Ant & Dec, the presenters, said to the camera, “He’s thinking about it.”

Seconds later, Cowell leaned over and hit the golden buzzer.

“My dream has come true. Thank you,” said Cowell, after pressing the over-sized button, that can only be pressed once by each judge during the auditions. Cowell said he had dreamed of having dancing stormtroopers on the show.

The performers jumped around and hugged each other, but none took off their helmets to reveal his or her identity.

Who Are The People Behind Boogie Storm?

The group seems to be secretive about personal details. But through a series of associations, we’ve tracked the group to a dance and musical theater studio led by British celebrity Jennifer Ellison.

We found an account @boogie_storm on Twitter with a first post on May 7 that confirmed to us that it’s associated with the group.

@boogie_storm Hi guys. Can you pls confirm this is the official account of the Boogie Storm crew? I’m with @EpochTimes in New York. Thanks!

— Petr Svab (@PetrSvab) May 8, 2016

Hi, Yes it is but I have to confirm with BGT it’s ok for us to talk before we reply to the email. will call 2m https://t.co/QvGf9ZIgYw

— Boogie Storm (@boogie_storm) May 8, 2016

When a Twitter user asked how many males and females are in the group, the response was “you’ll have to wait and see pal.”

Anders you’ll have to wait and see pal #BGT #BOOGIESTORM #EMPIREPARTIES https://t.co/5MCcmOMWAQ

— Boogie Storm (@boogie_storm) May 8, 2016

Yet the feature picture of the Twitter account shows a web address of www.empireparties.co.uk, offering event entertainment featuring “fully trained thespians, martial artists, base runners & dancers” in costumes of popular movie characters, including Spider Man, Iron Man, Darth Vader, and Stormtroopers.

A Facebook page associated with the website shows pictures and videos of people in Stormtrooper and other costumes on birthday parties or just on the streets with a promise of a “visit from the dark side for kids parties and corporate events, an exclusive entertainment package with a twist.”

One video shows a person in Stormtrooper costume dancing on the Liverpool’s famous Mathew Street.

The first post on the page dates back to Sept. 29, 2015, eight days after a company called Empireparties Ltd. was incorporated with a Liverpool address.

The company is directed by Lee Seddon, 38, and Robert Tickle, 36.

Seddon has been identified as a Liverpool firefighter and the man in the Stormtrooper suit dancing on the street by liverpoolecho.co.uk.

He had an idea of dancing stormtroopers as an even entertainment and looking for dancers get to know Tickle and his wife Jennifer Ellison, an actress, singer, dancer, model, and TV personality in the U.K.

Jennifer Ellison and Rob Tickle in Liverpool on Nov. 27, 2014. (Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images for Aloft Liverpool)

Ellison runs a dance and music theater studio, Jelli Studios, that shares address with Empireparties.

“I got in touch with them, told Robbie the idea and he loved it so he’s come into partnership with me and Jelli Dance Studios will provide the dancers and choreography for our events,” Seddon told liverpoolecho.co.uk.

Ellison retweeted an animation of the Boogie Storm performance on Saturday.

“TUNE INTO BRITAINS GOT TALENT TONIGHT!!!! SOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!” she Tweeted.