Since 2007, lives have been changed and stars have been made thanks to Britain’s Got Talent.
Now some of the most famous acts from the show are back, and with an even bigger challenge.
Over the next six weeks, Got Talent stars from around the world will perform at Wembley Arena, and battle it out to be crowned the Champion of Champions.
Each week two acts will go through to the next round, one voted for by the audience – with over 6,000 superfans from different countries – and one Golden Buzzer act from the judges plus hosts Ant and Dec.
All the BGT gang are back for this bonus series.
When we catch up with her during filming, Alesha Dixon says they’ve had a ball seeing old friends and making new ones.
‘We have Ashleigh and Sully on, which is great because the year I joined BGT Ashleigh and Pudsey won, and I remember thinking, “Oh my goodness, what an amazing show!”.
Obviously losing Pudsey, that was devastating for her. So to see her come out and perform with Sully, I felt quite emotional, it was lovely.’
Other favourites we can look forward to seeing include Collabro, Stavros Flatley and Connie Talbot, who was just six when she appeared during the show’s first series.
‘To see Connie come back as an 18-year-old, and to hear her story and what she’s been doing... David and I weren’t a part of her story, but it’s fascinating the journey she’s been on as an artist,’ says Alesha, who has been heavily pregnant with her second child during filming.
Then there are the entertainers who’ve travelled from all over the world to compete.
‘There are acts that have been hugely successful in other territories, and it really brings home how big the Got Talent brand is,’ reckons the star.
‘It’s almost like – dare I say it? – Eurovision!
‘You’ve got to see Aussie contestants Nelson Twins, who are a comedy duo.
They were utterly brilliant. I was belly-laughing, they had me ugly crying!’
But for Alesha it’s the first winner, Paul Potts, who epitomises the spirit of BGT.
‘He’s like the heart and soul of it, and he’s such a lovely man,’ she says.
‘Amanda said to him yesterday, “The only thing that’s changed about you is your teeth!”
He’s still the same humble guy he was 12 years ago. I love those kind of acts – someone who never gives up, keeps working hard and does it with a smile on their face.
That’s all you can ask for.’
Britain's Got Talent: The Champions is on Sat 8pm ITV
