Simon Cowell has spoken out for the first time about David Walliams’ exit from Britain’s Got Talent.
It was reported back in November that the comedian had decided to leave the show in the wake of his explosive voice notes being leaked, where David could be heard making derogatory remarks about one of the auditioning contestants.
He went on to apologise for his comments, with a BGT source later saying that the BGT panel for the new series of the show – which returns to screens tonight, Saturday 15 April – was “up in the air”.
Initially there were reports that fellow comic Alan Carr had been picked to replace David, but it went on to be revealed that former Strictly star Bruno Tonioli had been giving the judging gig.
Now, as BGT fans prepare for the show to start again, Simon has addressed David’s departure.
“I didn’t really get involved in the decision,” he told The Sun.
"From what I understand, he decided to take a step back.
“It all happened relatively quickly. I was on holiday and then the next thing is I’m having conversations about who’s going to take his place.”
Speaking about the leak of David’s offensive voice notes, Simon went on to label them as “upsetting” and “completely unacceptable”.
He did defend the former BGT judge, however, stating that he didn’t think those types of remarks were a frequent occurrence with David. He insisted that “most of the time David seemed very respectful”.
After weeks of speculation, Bruno was confirmed to the replacing David in January 2023 as he voiced his excitement.
He said at the time: “Here we are, Britain’s Got Talent. I am so excited. It’s my first show, I have no idea what’s going to happen, but I’m sure it’s going to be brilliant.”
Bruno is no stranger to sitting on a judging panel having spent 18 years on BBC flagship show Strictly Come Dancing, where he regularly shocked and delighted the nation with his witty jabs and theatrical moves.
He made his first appearance on the show in debut series in 2004, alongside original judges Dame Arlene Phillips, Len Goodman and Craig Revel Horwood.
He often left both the audience and fellow judges laughing hysterically when he would steal the show by falling off his chair in delight or shock at a performance.
One of his memorable stand-out moments is his cutting remarks towards former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe in 2010, when he called her a “lame canary” who was “flapping around the floor” when she took to the stage in a bright yellow ballgown.
I’m sure BGT fans can expect the same kind of savage remarks as he makes his show debut tonight.
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