The Britain’s Got Talent judges, who return to our screens for slightly new-look semi-finals, filmed with COVID-19 guidelines (and without Simon…)
ere you worried that BGT might not make it back on air? SIMON, 60: Yeah. But I thought, ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way!’ I don’t want to give too much away, but when you watch the semi-finals and final, you’re going to see something you’ve never seen before. It’s very high tech. I also think we’re going to have the longest judges’ desk in the world to make sure everyone has lots of space! That’s the plus side – David has to stay away from me for the foreseeable future!
Are you excited to be back? AMANDA, 49: Really excited, though it’s going to feel weird with new rules in place. But what you see is what you get. We’re pretty much the same on screen as we are off. I’ve been getting glammed up every day doing my radio show, but it’ll be a real treat to have my hair and make-up done by someone else again.
The shows are being filmed in a studio rather than a theatre? ALESHA, 41: With the social distancing, we have had to adapt. It’s going to be different from what everyone is used to, but everyone’s working hard to make sure we still have that special vibe to the show.
Did you stay in touch with each other during lockdown?
DAVID, 49: Yes. We’ve been seeing what we’ve all been getting up to. Simon’s been in LA – apparently, he’s been cooking. I saw him make some beans on toast once and I was amazed at that! The good thing is that we’re all parents with young kids and I’ve really enjoyed being able to spend so much more time with my son [Alfred, seven].
Ashley, how does it feel to be joining the BGT panel?
ASHLEY, 31: As if 2020 couldn’t get any crazier! It’s super humbling and super exciting! I’ve gone from being a 20-year-old street dancer from the streets of East London to stepping in for the big man! It feels really nice, almost poetic.