An Ant and Dec superfan rocked her customised jacket and shoes at the auditions for Britain's Got Talent in Salford. Heidi-Jade Sargent, 23, who admitted she had seen the duo live more than 100 times, was among the fans eagerly waiting to watch the 2023 auditions at the Lowry Theatre on Tuesday morning (February 7).
Utterly obsessed Heidi-Jade, who has met many of her close pals online through their shared love of the presenting duo and the hit ITV show, posed up smiling, while wearing her personalised jacket and high-top trainers. She even styled a wacky dress adorned with selfies of her and TV's favourite Newcastle-born personalities.
The 23-year-old has already been to watch three rounds of auditions this year and was among hundreds of other fans awaiting the arrival of the judges, joined by show favourites Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly.
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Heidi-Jade told the Manchester Evening News: "I've been to too many auditions to remember between BGT and Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway. I'm a massive fan - when you watch it on TV as a viewer compared to participating as an audience you get such a different experience.
"They edit what you see sometimes so you can miss some really funny moments, but the energy is crazy and the audience gets behind the acts with over-excitable fans i.e., me!
"I'm hoping to see an act that's unique and original, and definitely Ant and Dec because I've absolutely loved them for years, with the paintings I've made and designs on my shoes!"
Heidi-Jade awaited the audition outside the Lowry Outlet with friends Sarra and Lesley Evans, who she met online through their obsession with Britain's Got Talent and presenters on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway.
"We have visited throughout the region to watch Ant and Dec. I genuinely lost count at over 100 times attending in the audience for the show. We absolutely love the shows and the presenting from the duo - definitely excited to see them again," she added.
"We hope to see some comedy, but otherwise a person who is genuinely talented and struggled to make it through that career path - and for this show to be life-changing for them such as an undiscovered solo singer who's been trying to break through and hasn't achieved that success yet."
The ITV talent show received a warm welcome from fans at Salford's Lowry Theatre. With the new series approaching, fans queued up with hopes to glimpse judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and brand-new judge Bruno Tonioli.
Also among the fans waiting was retired couple Nadia and Dave Sherwin, who attended the Britain's Got Talent auditions back in 2019.
"It was fantastic inside to see how it's all done via the cameras and staging - it's not the same as on television where it's heavily edited. You see the backstage, makeup, and producers calling 'we didn't quite get that shot right, can we do it again?'" they said.
"We hope to see comedians or a few dancers - we were lucky last time to see some really good acts, and it's interesting watching back on TV. We remember the Swedish magician (Håkan Berg) dressed up like a bird. We'll be here tomorrow too as it's a nice day out for us."
Aamanee Kamran and mum Attia Kamran, from Birmingham arrived as early as 8am. Aamanee said: "I'm mainly here to see Ant and Dec! I went to see them last year at the Britain's Got Talent auditions where I saw Alesha Dixon's Golden Buzzer for Flintz and Taylor - it was a very emotional performance and I'd love to witness a similar awe-inspiring story again."
While Roxie Skinner and Shaun Moores from Doncaster were 'gutted' to lose David Walliams, a favourite of theirs. They said: "We have watched the show for years and it's sad that he's gone but we're also intrigued to see how Bruno approaches the audition members.
"It's our first time attending the audition and there is going to be so much we don't get to see on TV - we're excited to watch it back when the episode airs. We definitely hope to see dogs - or all animals! Maybe a good magician? Not where you can see how they performed acts - but one that wows us. We would love to see something we haven't seen before - though we don't know what that is."
Chloe Openshaw and Denise Maxwell from Salford added: "We're so excited to see Simon. We hope to see some funny acts, we enjoy comedy, and want to see what Manchester has to offer.
"It's our first time watching it and we're excited for Bruno, but we think he'll be harsh on the talent. We hope for comedy because we love a good laugh and love anything involving dogs! We are absolutely getting involved with the audience."
Also watching the auditions was Gemma Brownhill and Janet Armstrong, who said: "We've been a few times to watch Britain's Got Talent and really hope for an act that stands out including some good dance acts.
"We saw Hollie Booth and her dance troupe Rise - she survived the Ariana Grande Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017 and it was one of those moments where your so emotionally taken aback. We loved watching them."
It was Shannon Wilson and mum Michelle Wroe's first time too, who were undoubtedly excited about the experience. They said: "In terms of the talent we hope to see a dog show - or Robbie Williams as the celebrity guest. We love comedy and magic too.
"It's our first time watching and we are excited to see the extras that are not cut out. We will be really getting into the experience -booing and cheering. For the presenters we are absolutely trying to get a selfie with Simon Cowell - not sure if it'll work but worth a shot!"
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