BGT’s back! Simon tells all
SIMON COWELL is in lockdown, like the rest of us – holed-up in his Malibu mansion. Here, he reveals all about the new series of Britain’s GotTalent. That the 14th series of the popular talent show will finally be on our screens this month couldn’t have come at a better time - and may prove to be a welcome boost for all of us stuck at home. Simon also opens up about how his son, Eric, is helping him write a collection of children’s books – and why BGT judge (and bestselling kids’ author) David Walliams is no longer talking to him…
This will be the 14th series of BGT – did you worry about the show not airing, due to Coronavirus?
Well, it was hard filming without a live audience, it felt weird, but we had no choice – so we made the decision to do it ourselves. It will be different, but when I saw the first audition show, it felt like a real tonic, so I am hoping people enjoy it. I think it’s airing at a good time – people need something uplifting and fun right now.
How are you coping with lockdown?
It all feels very strange, but I am actually finding I’m doing more work than usual. I can do my meetings via video-links, and I’m grateful I can spend time in the garden, in the sunshine, with my family.
Did you ever imagine, when it first aired 13 years ago, that BGT would become such a huge success?
No. I thought we would be lucky if the show lasted one series. It was a very hard show to sell – nobody wanted it at first. So, after Paul Potts won and we got a second series, I thought OK, maybe we will get a third series – and so it went with every series. I never take it for granted. To be honest, what I always dread is running out of contestants! But, for some reason, this show attracts amazing people. Not just talented people, but those with amazing stories. It is those people who have helped the show last so long. It is great escapism.
Colin Thackery won last year – was that a high point, celebrating this incredible, almost 90-year-old war veteran?
It was a high point, yes. When I saw him two or three months after winning the show, he was on such a high. He had a bestselling book; he had made an album and he was thoroughly enjoying himself. It was inspiring to see how much his life had changed. That, again, is the power of the show.
What can we expect from this series?
Every year is different. In a weird way, this series reminds me of the first one. In other words, it feels a little rough and ready – when you see the show, you will know what I mean. It’s definitely better than last year and the people are amazing. Put it this way; I didn’t get bored filming it – that’s always a good thing!
Have you seen a possible winner?
I feel like I had at this stage last year. I always thought Colin had a shot, but it was never a shoo-in. It will really hang on whether they perform well in the live shows, whenever we can do those shows. But I certainly think we have a strong top 10 this year.
What was David Walliams’ Golden Buzzer like this time?
Compared with previous years, not that bad! He’s had more awful acts than any judge on any show. I think he’s become more competitive, because when you push that buzzer, it must be someone you really believe can win the show.
You’ve kept the same judging panel for eight years – ever think about changing it up?
No. When something works as well as this panel does, it’s pointless to change it. Besides, we are not on air long enough for people to get fed up with us, so that’s another reason. We have all become friends outside of the show and I wouldn’t want to change that.
Did Eric pop along to any auditions?
Yes, he comes straight in and heads immediately to the buzzer! I think we are getting close to the point when he says he wants to go on the show himself. All I keep saying to him is, try to train our dogs [Squiddly and Diddly] because I know that will take him about five years!
What did David say when you told him about your book deal with Eric and Wishfits publishing?
Total, utter silence. Nothing. He refused to discuss it. I was hoping I could sign the book deal live on TV, in front of him. Unfortunately, the timing didn’t work. The problem I have now is to ensure they are successful, otherwise David will have the last laugh.
How excited is Eric? Will he be hands-on with all the characters?
Well, we came up with the characters together so we will write them together. I genuinely need his input. When I told him about the publishing deal, he looked at me and said, ‘ What will the names be on the cover? Will it say by Eric and Simon or Simon and Eric – because E goes in front of S in the alphabet…’
Can you beat David to No1 in the book charts?
That’ll be a challenge. He’s got a bit of head-start on me!
Britain’s Got Talent returns
to ITV on Saturday.
‘ BGT attracts amazing people, it is great escapism and I never take it for granted’