Alesha: ‘THEY NEED TO MAKE THE PUBLIC FALL IN LOVE’

After being “spoiled” by the sheer amount of talent on display in the 2023 competition, Alesha Dixon had high hopes for this year’s set of auditionees. “I felt there were a few acts that could have won last year, and I don’t often say that,” she says. “Usually, there are one or two front-runners, but we had so many acts that could have won, so that was quite rare.”

Alesha promises the cast of 2024 have served up some “golden moments” at the auditions this year, adding, “We just have to wait and see what happens in the next stage. I’ve definitely seen a few characters I think have got a chance – not just because they’re talented, but there’s something about them as a person, their story and who they are.”

Of the nine Golden Buzzers dished out this series, taking the contestant straight through to the semi-finals, only one was given by Alesha. “Sometimes you are in a situation where people power overpowers us, and if the audience is so relentless in wanting somebody to receive a Golden Buzzer, you just don’t have any choice,” she says. “When you get those moments, it just makes for great TV. I do like to have rules. I do like a bit of structure, but at the same time, you have to embrace spontaneity and embrace what people are feeling in the moment.”

When it comes to the secret to winning over the viewers at home, Alesha puts it down to a couple of factors. “It’s usually one of two things,” she says. “It’s either bringing them joy, making them laugh and lifting their spirits, or it’s emoting and connecting with them on a deeper level, where they fall in love with you, and you win over their hearts.

“You can’t always predict how that’s going to play out depending on choices that people make, but usually it’s an emotional connection.” ■

The brand-new series of Britain’s Got Talent kicks off on Saturday at 7.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX

‘I do like to have rules’