Britain's Got Talent fans have been treated to a glimpse of the show favourites as filming for the new series got underway today, with brand-new judge, Bruno Tonioli, in tow.
After what seems like an eternity, the 2023 series of Britain's Got Talent is steadily approaching, and judges Simon Cowell and Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno arrived at auditions at The London Palladium on Tuesday.
Hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly also looked in high spirits as they arrived to the exciting day ahead before they were mobbed by mobs.
The Geordie duo took some time to pose with excited fans who threw their arms around the hosts as they made their way into the venue.
Elsewhere, Amanda Holden made sure that she turned heads upon her arrival as she stunned in a risqué charcoal blazer dress.
The blonde beauty flaunted her enviable pins in a pair of sky-high stilettos as her glamorous hair and makeup were styled to perfection - as always.
The auditions will be taking place all week in the capital while further judge auditions are taking place in Salford, Manchester at the beginning of February.
Although it may have looked peachy between the judges on the red carpet, in recent weeks, much trouble has been brewing behind-the-scenes.
The new series has gotten off to a chaotic start before it's even begun as it's been hit with a series of controversies involving its changing judging panel - with Bruno Tonioli 's arrival rumoured to be causing tension behind the scenes.
Last week the Mirror exclusively revealed Bruno, 67, had been chosen to replace David Walliams on the talent show.
Walliams left under a cloud last year after crude comments he made about a woman and calling a pensioner a 'c***' during filming for the show in 2020 were leaked.
The comedian's spot on the panel was filled by vivacious Strictly judge Tonioli - with head judge Cowell rumoured to have gone over his bosses' heads after they eyed up Alan Carr for the upcoming series.
Praising the addition of Tonioli, one source revealed: "He and Simon have long hoped to work together so this has proved the perfect opportunity. Everyone’s very excited."
However, rumours have since been swirling that Bruno's signing may have ruffled a few feathers with allegations that long-standing judges Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon are 'furious' that Bruno will receive the same wage as them.
The Italian is reportedly set to bag the same £850,000 salary as the mainstays – with Alesha, 44, joining in series six and veteran Amanda, 51, being on the show since 2007 when it first began.
The insiders have claimed the pair are unhappy that former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno has walked into the job on the same wage as them, despite their experience and longevity.
A source told The Sun: "It’s a bit of a headache for BGT given filming for the next series begins at the London Palladium on Tuesday.
"Bruno was still ironing out his contract on Friday too so it’s all very much down to the wire."
Alesha and Amanda were said to be holding back on singing on the dotted line until a replacement for David Walliams was confirmed and the pair are said to have since quizzed their bosses on their wage.
Elsewhere, there have also been reports of tension between BGT boss Simon, 63, and ITV over who they choose as a judge.
ITV bosses were said to have been left 'furious' after they were overruled by Simon, who is a close friend of Bruno's.
It has been claimed comedian Alan Carr, who was a front-runner to nab the judging role, was told 'close up until two weeks ago' that he had the job.
However, Bruno signing the deal and taking his place on the ITV show has left the Chatty Man comedian 'disappointed'.
A show insider told the Daily Mail: "It is one the most peculiar events in show business in recent years. Alan was told that he had the job and then all of sudden Bruno’s name popped up. It is so bizarre.
"Some ITV bosses are cross at the decision, their preference was Alan as did most involved in the show who were really over the moon at the prospect of having join them for series.
"They all wanted him but Cowell was against it, he wanted his friend."
As the auditions got underway, former judge David showed fans he was keeping busy.
On Instagram, the author shared a picture of himself with actor Tom Courtenay and Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon.
The smartly dressed trio smiled at the camera, with David writing in the caption: "Lunch with a legend. Sir Tom Courtenay @robbrydon."
