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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Sam Elliott-Gibbs

David Walliams ‘snubbed’ on Britain’s Got Talent return as his exit totally ignored

Fans were quick to notice the lack of a nod to departed David Walliams on Britain’s Got Talent's big return this weekend.

His exit was totally ignored despite being a part of the programme for ten years as the ITV talent show burst back onto our screens this weekend.

The 51-year-old comedian exited under a cloud of controversy last November.

David, who joined the panel in 2012, sensationally quit after recordings leaked in which he could be heard making derogatory remarks about contestants.

In one incident, could be heard referring to an elderly hopeful as a "c**t" three times.

David Walliams quit BGT last year following the fall out to the leaked recordings (Dymond/Thames/Syco/REX/Shutterstock)
The star was not mentioned once on the opening weekend (PA)

While further recordings revealed David saying of a female contestant: "She’s like the slightly boring girl you meet in the pub that thinks you want to f**k them, but you don’t."

Now the show is continuing without him - and his departure was ignored.

Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon all returned to the judging panel and are joined by dance expert Bruno Tonioli.

Fans already love David's replacement after a fun filled first weekend.

Bruno was introduced by host Dec Donnelly as "the brand new boy" as the crowd cheered.

Bruno Tonioli replaced the comedian on the judging panel (ITV)

The former Strictly star told fans: "I am thrilled to be here. I am emotional and very, very nervous."

But there was no nod to departed David.

Head judge Simon spoke for the first time about the controversy ahead of Britain's Got Talent's return.

He felt the comments were against the “ethos” of the family show as he addressed the matter.

He added: “I didn’t really get involved in the decision. From what I understand, he decided to take a step back.

David was on the talent show since 2012 but quit last year (PA)

“It all happened relatively quickly. I was on holiday and then the next thing is I’m having conversations about who’s going to take his place."

He went on: “We did say to the two producers: ‘You have to make the final decision’ because, yeah, I am an exec producer, but they’re more hands on.

“Obviously everyone had some input — the network, the producers Fremantle, all of us said at the time, these comments are completely unacceptable.

"I had not heard them before and, yeah, it was upsetting. But from where I’m sitting, this wasn’t something I believe was ­constant."

He added: “Most of the time David seemed very respectful and emotional about the contestants and was doing ­everything that a judge should be doing on a show like this.”

After the recordings leaked, David released a grovelling apology, saying: "I would like to apologise to the people I made disrespectful comments about during breaks in filming for Britain’s Got Talent in 2020.

"These were private conversations and – like most conversations with friends – were never intended to be shared. Nevertheless, I am sorry."

However, days later he opted to quit the series entirely - going on to be replaced by former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno.

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