Simon Cowell has plenty to celebrate after it was revealed the new series of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ came out on top of this weekend’s TV viewing figures.
The first episode of the eleventh series of ‘BGT’ thrashed its BBC rival ‘The Voice’, with more than twice the amount of viewers tuning in to the ITV talent show.
An average of 8.3million of us watched Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams casting their critical eye over the latest bunch of fame-seekers.
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The 'Britain's Got Talent' judges have lots to smile about.
‘The Voice’ hit a peak of 5.5million viewers towards the end of the evening, as millions of us switched over from ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, which peaked at 9.6million.
'The Voice' judges, (l-r) Ricky Wilson, Paloma Faith, Boy George and will.i.am
BBC
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‘The Voice’ final marked the end of the show’s five-year run on the Beeb, which is switching to ITV from next year after the channel acquired the rights for the next three series.
Highlights from the ‘BGT’ launch show included a sword-swallower, a dog act and a 12-year-old singing sensation.
When does it start?
ITV
ITV have finally confirmed that the new series will start on Saturday 9 April at 7pm.
Who are the judges?
ITV
For the fifth year running, the panel is made up of Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams. Amanda previously claimed that this would be her last year on the show, but has since made a U-turn on her decision, telling HuffPost UK: “I just think as long as it’s going like this, and as long as it’s working… I just love it.
Who will be presenting?
Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick
As usual, Ant and Dec are on hosting duties, having been with the show since its inception. However, they recently threw their future with the show into doubt, admitting that they could leave ‘BGT’ when their current deal with ITV runs out later this year. Asked about an 11th series, they said: “We’re not sure, because it’s the last year we’re contracted for. We’ll have to see. It’s been 10 great years. Well, nine great years - we’re hoping the 10th will be just as good as the rest."
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What about ‘Britain’s Got More Talent’?
Shirlaine Forrest via Getty Images
The popular spin-off show will return alongside the main event on ITV2, with Stephen Mulhern taking the reins once again. We expect he’s hoping not to get a soaking from Amanda this year, following her water-throwing antics on the last series.
Will the Golden Buzzers be back?
ITV
Yes! Once again, the judges and Ant and Dec will have the chance to send one act straight through to the live semi-finals if their audition impresses them. According to previous reports, Amanda pressed her buzzer during the first day of filming at the audition tour in Liverpool, while Simon was the last to press his during the penultimate day of auditions in Birmingham.
Is there a trailer?
This year’s ad is a fairytale spectacular and sees the gang leading viewers into a magical world. Let’s just say Mandy is seen as Cinderella, and if that’s not worth your time watching, then we don’t know what it.
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What is the prize this year?
WPA Pool via Getty Images
Along with the usual spot at the Royal Variety Performance and £250,000 in cash, Simon also has an extra special something up his sleeve for the champ. He’s been quoted as saying: "We have a special surprise for the winner. It's priceless, worth a lot of money, and we're going to do it for the 10th series."
How are the judges getting on?
Doug Peters/Doug Peters
Hmmm. Well reports have been very mixed. David was apparently left speechless when Simon made a jibe about his divorce to Lara Stone, while he has also been dishing out jibes to Amanda, who has already thrown a glass of water over Simon. David has also admitted his bromance with Simon has become strained, telling ‘James Corden’s Late Late Show’: “Lovers’ tiffs, it’s a love-hate relationship. He once said to me, ‘You’re only happy when I’m unhappy and I’m only happy when you’re unhappy. So yeah, we have a quite a difficult relationship.”
