There was no mention of former Britain's Got Talent judge David Walliams on the ITV series on Saturday night, as the 2023 series launched.
The judges were all smiles as they met their new co-star Bruno Tonioli, who was confirmed to be replacing David recently after the comedian quit the show last year after 10 years in the role.
But fans were quick to notice on Saturday night that there was no mention of David being missing, or having left the panel.
David left the show just weeks after recordings were leaked where he made crude references about one woman and called a pensioner a 'c***' during filming for Britain's Got Talent back in 2020.
He was said to have quit, while he did not comment on the news at the time. It was reported he'd quit the show in November before the new panel was announced - confirming his departure.
As the episode got underway, there was zero mention of David or his 10 years on the show from the judges or the hosts, or the channel.
Instead, the judges got to know his replacement Bruno, with the group even taking a selfie together as auditions began.
Taking to Twitter, fans were left divided over David not being on the show with many confessing it "wasn't the same without him".
One fan tweeted: "Not watching #BGT because David Walliams is not there. Without him showing off and being a silly bugger there's no point."
Another said: "David Walliams is missed ...." as a third commented: "anyone else miss David Walliams?"
But many others were thrilled to see Bruno on the show, with one writing: "So much better without David."
A second fan added: "Sorry but Bruno Tonioli is so much better than David Walliams," while a third agreed: "It’s a lot better without David Walliams I must say. He always tried to make it about him, and would say yes to everything. The new series is refreshing. It may have won be back… we’ll see!"
David's exit was revealed in November 2022, ahead of auditions being filmed from January onwards.
"David has decided to bow out after a ten-year run. He wants to leave on a high after a wonderful time," an insider told The Sun at the time.
"Being on the show has been a huge source of entertainment and joy for him and he is arguably the most popular member of the panel.”
A source close to the judge said: “David has decided to bow out after a ten-year run. He wants to leave on a high after a wonderful time.”
Following the publication of David's leaked comments, Simon failed to confirm if David would be returning for the latest series of the hit talent show.
"Ask me in a few weeks," he responded when quizzed on the matter.
Simon went on to insinuate that the current judging panel is not 'vital' for the show's success.
"For me the most important thing is talent. It’s always about that. If you don’t have great talent, you don’t have a show. That’s all I care about," Simon told Daily Star.
Britain's Got Talent airs this Saturday at 8PM and Sunday at 7:45PM on ITV1 and ITV X.
