Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Niamh Spence

Britain’s Got Talent 'won’t be the same without David Walliams', says Diversity star

Britain's Got Talent fans and former stars of the show have been reacting after David Walliams confirmed he would no longer be a part of the ITV talent show.

The ITV show will return next year but is having a massive shake up as one of its four long-term judges has now exited the line up.

David, 51, quit the talent show after offensive comments he made about a contestant became public.

Now Perri Kiely from Diversity, who appeared on the show in 2009 and won, has voiced his upset over David's departure as he warned the programme won't be the same without him.

The professional dancer warned viewers would notice a 'different vibe' to the show without the comedian.

David Walliams is stepping down from Britain's Got Talent (ITV)
David Walliams has been a judge on Britain's Got Talent for the past 10 years (ITV)

Speaking to The Sun, Perri said: "The show will never quite be the same.

"As with all reality shows when the line-up changes, it's going to be different.

"Not necessarily worse - but it will have a different vibe to it, it will be a slightly different path for the show, but the show will go on."

He added: "I will always be grateful about the opportunities that have come since we starred on the show. It was 14 years ago, and we're still going.

Britain's Got Talent is to undergo a massive shake up (ITV)

"My fondest memories were of Simon Cowell, as he's not Mr nasty at all. He's one of the nicest, kindest guys you could meet.

"We'd love to teach his son Eric some dance moves, so bring him over."

David stepped down from Britain's Got Talent after a leaked transcript from the ITV show revealed David made crude references about one woman and called a pensioner a 'c***' during filming for Britain's Got Talent back in 2020.

David Walliams issued an apology after offensive comments he made about a contestant were made public (ITV)

The 51-year-old apologised for making 'disrespectful comments', which were made during breaks for filming the show.

The comedian's decision to step back from the variety show is a decision he is said to have "not taken lightly".

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."

David Walliams is said to have made the decision to leave as one he is said to have "not taken lightly" (DCM)

A BGT spokesperson told The Mirror: "The judging panel for 2023 will be announced in due course."

Since confirming his exit from Britain's Got Talent, where he's been a judge for the past 10 years, David seems to be lining up new projects. The comedian was pictured with his former Little Britain partner Matt Lucas as the duo confirmed they are working on a brand new project together.

Lucas shared a snap of the old pals as he confirmed they were writing together, leading fans to speculate over a new comedy series.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.