Alesha Dixon has said she will miss David Walliams 'dearly' in a tribute following his departure from ITV's Britain's Got Talent. The 'Breathe Slow' singer, 44, shared a tribute to her Instagram ahead of the new series.
The pair had worked as judges together on the hit talent show for a decade, with singer Alesha and comedian David, 51, having both joined the judging panel back in 2012.
However Walliams was absent from the first auditions. It comes after he apologised last year after a leaked transcript was published that included alleged remarks about some contestants on the show.
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Following the first auditions this week, Alesha has paid tribute to her former co-star David in an Instagram post, penning: "Thank you @dwalliams for 10 amazing years on @bgt." She further commented in her message to him: "I love you very much and will miss you dearly."
Strictly's Bruno Tonioli, 67, has now filled Walliams' vacancy on the judging panel at the auditions. About the role, he said: "I am so excited. [...] I have no idea what's going to happen, but I'm sure it's going to be brilliant."
David - known for shows like Little Britain - apologised last year following reports of a leaked transcript that included alleged remarks by the judge about some contestants. He later addressed the situation, saying in a statement: "I would like to apologise to the people I made disrespectful comments about during breaks in filming for [BGT] in 2020."
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