Carr BGT frontrunner

Amanda’s pal is top of list to replace remark row Walliams

BY NICOLA METHVEN

DAVID Walliams’ expected departure from Britain’s Got Talent has sparked a frantic search for a suitable replacement.

Show bosses are said to favour a male comedian because Walliams’ constant banter with head judge Simon Cowell was a huge part of the appeal. Alan Carr, who is best pals with panellist Amanda Holden, is a frontrunner, along with Mo Gilligan, Paddy Mcguinness and Jonathan Ross.

One insider said: “They are after a male judge who needs to be funny. David leaves a big hole to fill and they need to get this right. The future of the show could depend on it.” Walliams, 51, has yet to confirm he will quit after 10 years, following remarks he made while recording a show in 2020. A show spokesman said: “The judging panel will be announced in due course. It’s still very much up in the air on whether David is going to take part.”

But Walliams is expected to stand down two weeks after it emerged he called an elderly contestant a “c***” several times while off-air.

The children’s author also said of a young female contestant: “She thinks you want to f*** her, but you don’t.” It was reported yesterday he wants to “leave on a high”.

A pal said: “He hasn’t taken the decision lightly, but it feels like time to focus on other projects.” Walliams, who has apologised, will appear next month with Sheridan Smith in BBC’S Gangsta Granny Strikes Again, an adaptation of his book.

FAVOURITE Alan Carr, with his pal Amanda, on game show in 2018 Mo Gilligan Paddy Mcguinness Jonathan Ross CONTENDERS Mo, Paddy or Wossy may replace Walliams as Simon’s new sidekick JUDGE He spent 10yrs on panel