The radio presenter has taken on a new role this evening
Amanda Holden(Image: ITV)
Fans of Britain’s Got Talent have noticed a major change moments into the show. Head judge Simon Cowell will not be on the judging panel this evening after falling ill. Instead of cancelling auditions, producers decided to appoint a guest judge.
Loose Women panellist Stacey Solomon has stepped in as guest judge for the Birmingham auditions. Amanda Holden has taken on the role of temporary head judge in Simon’s absence. After noticing the change, fans took to X to point out the new seating plan.
On the social media platform, Ryan Glendenning said “Seeing Amanda sat in Simon’s seat is so weird” and Marie Anthony posted “Amanda sitting where Simon would normally sit.” Daz shared “Amanda Holden self appointed head judge”
The Heart Breakfast radio presenter is the joint longest-serving judge on the panel. She has been a judge since the show launched in 2007 and over the years has seen the faces that sit beside her change plenty of times, with Simon also being a constant on the show.
The opening day of auditions was pushed back due to Simon’s illness, with ticket holders receiving notifications via email from providers with additional details. Supporters were thrilled when Stacey agreed to stand in, preventing another delay the next day.
When on set last October, Stacey described the opportunity as “a dream come true”, posting behind-the-scenes images on Instagram. She expressed to her followers: “I cannot wait to get out there.”
The Britain’s Got Talent judging panel on March 21(Image: ITV)
Ant and Dec have also returned for their all-important presenting roles, welcoming a fresh batch of hopeful contestants hoping to win the hearts of the nation and perform at the prestigious Royal Variety Show.
The show will air every Saturday night for the next four months, finishing with a live final episode in May. Social media star KSI is now part of the series as a full time judge after Bruno Tonioli stepped away from the role to focus on Dancing with the Stars in the US.
Speaking about joining the show, KSI said: “I’m so grateful and happy to be a part of the Britain’s Got Talent team for another season. I had such a good time last year and I can’t wait to see some more top talent. I’m full of energy, ready to go and can’t wait to make this the most entertaining BGT season ever! Let’s do this.”
Stacey won’t be joining the judging panel on a full time basis, but she has expressed her delight of being part of the show. Speaking about her time on the show on ITV’s This Morning earlier this week, she told hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard: “I loved it! Do you know what’s really funny [about] having that full circle moment?
“One, I felt like I really connected with people on stage, because it’s not easy to put yourself forward in those situations. Two, I realised just what it’s like to present a show where you’re not digging through people’s houses and you get to dress up, wear a nice dress and sit in a chair all day. I was like, ‘Wow, this is a great show.”