‘It’s all about Eric and what he would like’: Britain’s Got Talent RETURNS to TV screens

Britain’s Got Talent will return to our TV screens on Saturday night bringing a new batch of contestants hoping to wow the judges with their skills.

And according to Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly, both 44, this year’s biggest influence comes from head judge Simon Cowell’s five-year-old- son, Eric.  

As the duo and the show’s judges Simon, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and David Walliams star in a new photoshoot to launch the series, the show’s host joked: ‘It’s all about Eric and what he would like.’

It’s back: Britain’s Got Talent will return to our TV screens on Saturday night bringing a new batch of contestants hoping to wow the judges with their skills

‘Everything he sees that he would normally have buzzed off in years gone by, now he’s like, “My son would love that”’ 

While the auditions are kicking off this weekend, the live shows have been postponed until later in the year amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis. 

However, because the auditions were prerecorded we will have all of the golden buzzer moments in store over the next few week, with the 14th series described by judge Amanda, 49, as ‘old school BGT’.

Sweet: And according to Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly, both 44, this year's biggest influence comes from head judge Simon Cowell's five-year-old- son, Eric

Sweet: And according to Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly, both 44, this year’s biggest influence comes from head judge Simon Cowell’s five-year-old- son, Eric

The beauty divulged: ‘We’ve got the eccentric acts, the bedroom performers, and then the people who have honed their act and worked for years and years on it but never quite made it. 

‘As far as we’re concerned everyone deserves the chance, whether they’re brilliant or unpolished, because even the brilliant people have worked really hard for years and might just need a bit of BGT sparkle to push themselves to the next level’

Amanda has been a judge on every series thus far, alongside Simon, 60.

Proud dad: The duo joked: 'It’s all about Eric and what he would like. Everything he sees that he would normally have buzzed off in years gone by, now he’s like, “My son would love that”'

Proud dad: The duo joked: ‘It’s all about Eric and what he would like. Everything he sees that he would normally have buzzed off in years gone by, now he’s like, “My son would love that”’

Mini me: Eric regularly appears on screen for BGT and even dressed as his dad last year

Mini me: Eric regularly appears on screen for BGT and even dressed as his dad last year 

Therefore she admitted she ‘noticed immediately when he lost weight.’ 

The TV personality lost an impressive 20lbs last year after overhauling his diet and exercise regime.

Amanda shared: ‘It’s crazy because when you see someone all the time you don’t really notice when they are putting on weight. With Simon it was such a gradual thing, but I noticed immediately that he had lost weight.

Beauty: Amanda Holden, 49, has described this series as 'old school BGT'. She has appeared as a judge on every season so far

Beauty: Amanda Holden, 49, has described this series as ‘old school BGT’. She has appeared as a judge on every season so far 

‘We finished auditions last year and then got back together two weeks later for deliberations and I said straightaway, “Right, what have been doing, because you look amazing!” He said what he’d started doing, the foods he’d been cutting out and how it had made such a difference in just two weeks. 

‘So, I just feel happy for him. And I’m hoping that means he gets back to being more evil, because I think he’s gone a bit soft. 

‘Now he’s back to his slimmer self, I think he’s going to go back to being Mr Nasty! Which I’m really praying for, because that’s who I love. I love evil Simon best of all!’

'Old school BGT': Amanda shared 'I think we’ve got a perfect mix, if I’m being honest. We’ve got the eccentric acts, the bedroom performers, and then the people who have honed their act and worked for years and years on it but never quite made it

‘Old school BGT’: Amanda shared ‘I think we’ve got a perfect mix, if I’m being honest. We’ve got the eccentric acts, the bedroom performers, and then the people who have honed their act and worked for years and years on it but never quite made it

Perhaps Simon’s nasty side went away when he became a father to Eric who he shares with long term partner Lauren Silverman, 42. 

The record executive, who was once known for his steely ways, said this year is all about the children.

He shared: ‘The kids have taken over the show this year, which is great. We’ve had so many amazing and talented kids come on the stage and I love that. 

‘It’s just a different energy when it’s kids up there, it feels more fun! So, watch out for them!’    

Gorgeous: Also returning to judge is Alesha Dixen following her stint in the US for BGT All Stars

Gorgeous: Also returning to judge is Alesha Dixen following her stint in the US for BGT All Stars 

Amanda shared: ‘I think we’ve got a perfect mix, if I’m being honest. We’ve got the eccentric acts, the bedroom performers, and then the people who have honed their act and worked for years and years on it but never quite made it. 

‘As far as we’re concerned everyone deserves the chance, whether they’re brilliant or unpolished, because even the brilliant people have worked really hard for years and might just need a bit of BGT sparkle to push themselves to the next level.’

She ended: ‘It’s a family show, it’s warm, fun, and we celebrate Britain like no other show on TV right now. BGT is where we showcase our nation at its best. I don’t think you can top it!’

Britain’s Got Talent returns to ITV on Saturday April 11 at 8pm. 

Cheeky chap: David Walliams returns as the fourth judge for this year's BGT

Cheeky chap: David Walliams returns as the fourth judge for this year’s BGT 

 

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