IT’S TALENT TIME!
Hasit really beena year since Blackpool-based dog trainer Jules O’Dwyer and her loveable border collie Matisse were crowned winners of Britain’s Got Talent?
Well it’s been 10 and a half months actually, but regardless, it’s about time for the BGT dream team of judges – Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams –to take their places behind the desk and begin another search for the country’s most astonishing and exhilarating talent.
As usual, they are joined by the nation’s favourite TV presenting duo, Ant and Dec, who will be on hand to encourage, congratulate and commiserate the acts while guiding the audience through the auditions with their inimitable Geordie humour.
And viewers may be wise to make the most of Messrs McPartlin and Donnelly while they are still around, as this year could well be their last presenting BGT.
When asked if they would be return in 2017, they told the Daily Mirror: “We’re not sure, because it’s the last year we’re contracted for. We’ll have to see.
“It’s been 10 great years. Well, nine great years – we’re hoping the 10th will be just as good as the rest!
“There’s no reason why we should leave, but let’s do this series first and make it a good ‘un.”
And indeed it should be, as the duo, along with the judging quartet and the talent-spotting producers, have scoured the country looking for the winning act who can entertain the nation and capture the hearts and imaginations of the public.
Across the series, those set to entertain and amuse are a dancing polar bear, a one-man band on stilts, an orchestra with a difference and arguably the most dangerous act we have seen so far.
There will also be puppetry and archery with a difference, the world’s fastest tortoise and a magician brave enough to smash Simon’s phone.
As with last year, all four judges, as well as Ant and Dec, will also have the opportunity to give the act they think has that extra special something an automatic place in the live semi-finals with the use of their special Golden Buzzer.
With thousands of people applying, viewers can expect to be amazed and astounded by the would-be comedians, contortionists, street-dance outfits and all-round entertainers all competing for the prize.
And what a prize it is, with the winner securing an incredible £250,000, the opportunity to perform at the Royal Variety Performance 2016 and ... wait for it ... a ‘special surprise’, which Cowell has described as ‘priceless’.
The past decade has seen some of the most exciting and interesting winners from Paul Potts to Diversity, Ashleigh & Pudsey to Attraction.
And it’ s not only the winners who have delivered some of our most memorable moments on television.
Who can forget singer Susan Boyle, comedian Jack Carroll, magician Darcy Oake and of course, the dog that hypnotised Simon?
This year’s series is sure to provide even more must-see TV moments, and it begins tonight with everyone’s favourite shows, the first auditions.