Entertainment
Britain’s Got Talent 2022: Ant and Dec join Simon Cowell and David Walliams for first day of audition filming
Britain’s Got Talent is coming back to the screen (Picture: Raw Image Ltd/GoffPhotos.com)
Fans can rest assured over the return of Britain’s Got Talent, as judges Simon Cowell and David Walliams were on hand to welcome a new batch of potential contestants at the auditions.
Music mogul Simon, 62, opted for comfort as usual, donning a long-sleeved top and jeans for the day, coupled with sunglasses.
Long-serving presenters Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly were in full spirits as they stepped out of a taxi, while comedian David wore a face mask, with a khaki bomber jacket and jeans.
Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden have also returned to the judging panel alongside their BGT co-stars.
The programme was cancelled last year due to the global pandemic but viewers can expect to see the return of the dreaded red button and the coveted golden buzzer, as auditions for this year’s series have officially kicked off.
A statement from ITV bosses read at the time: ‘Despite everyone at ITV, Thames and Syco doing their best to make it happen, and with our absolute priority of safeguarding the well-being and health of every person involved in the programme from judges, hosts and contestants to all of the crew and audience, the decision has been made to – unfortunately – move the record and broadcast of the 15th series of Britain’s Got Talent to 2022.
Judge Simon Cowell is back (Picture: Raw Image Ltd/GoffPhotos.com)
Dec was all smiles (Picture: Raw Image Ltd/GoffPhotos.com)
‘BGT is known for its diversity of talent with big dance groups, wonderful choirs and lavish orchestras at its heart, and it has become clear that not only is it not possible to film auditions with these types of acts in a secure way but also that they are not able to adequately rehearse and prepare safely.
‘Safety has to come first and, as a result, the recording of the show can’t currently go ahead as planned.’
Ant was also in full spirits (Picture: Raw Image Ltd/GoffPhotos.com)
David also arrived in style (Picture: Raw Image Ltd/GoffPhotos.com)
Simon was notably absent from the live shows in 2020 due to a back injury he suffered while in California.
Diversity star Ashley Banjo replaced him on the panel, as well as the 2020 Christmas special.
The upcoming series will mark two years since Simon sat on the BGT judging panel.
The show was cancelled last year due to the Covid pandemic (Picture: Rex)
It was recently reported that the record executive will remain a judge on the annual talent series until 2025.
A source told The Mirror: ‘He is showing no signs of slowing down and is working on lots of American projects too.’
More: Simon Cowell
Comedian and musician Jon Courtenay was crowned the winner of the most recent series of BGT in 2020.
Britain’s Got Talent will return to ITV later in the year.
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