22 October 2023 , 09:59
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Amanda Holden has revealed that it was "sad" and "worrying" when David Walliams left ITV's Britain's Got Talent back in 2022 and said that she is supportive of her ex-colleague.
Walliams, who suing the show's producers Fremantle, quit the show last year saying it was "time to move on and focus on his other projects". His exit came after he was forced to apologise after audio of him making distasteful comments towards BGT contestants was leaked.
Amanda, who remains on the BGT judging panel, recently spoke of her strong friendships with Simon Cowell and Alesha Dixon as well as how she gets on with David's replacement in a new interview About her former co-star Walliams, who is suing Fremantle for an alleged data protection breach, Amanda said: "Well, Alesha and I love David. It was sad when he went. I’m in touch with him. Always. We’re always supportive of David. It’s always worrying when things change.”
Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell with David Walliams on Britain's Got Talent (ITV)The Heart FM DJ, who has worked on BGT since 2007, also praised the change-up in the panel, which saw Bruno Tonioli make his debut earlier this year. Amanda added to The Sun: "Simon is the king of reinvention. Panels can always do with a little freshen-up, and it worked. I think the ratings were higher than previously.
"I’ve known Bruno for years. I’ve been on holiday with him, we’ve had dinners. When we did the last series, it would be me and him cracking open a bottle of red when it got quite late. He has never said a bad word about anyone. He’s amazingly discreet, but he tells me great stories! I really have so much admiration for him."
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Speaking about her female friendships, Amanda also added that she and co-panelist, Alesha Dixon are supportive of each other in the business. The star explained how she and "incredible" Alesha had a coffee when the former Strictly star joined BGT in 2012 and have shared a close bond ever since.
Walliams was left battling suicidal thoughts following his exit from BGT last year, it's was reported earlier this month. The Little Britain co-creator, 52, reportedly makes the claims in a High Court writ against the makers of the hit ITV show, Fremantle. Walliams accuses Fremantle of an unlawful data protection breach on an industrial scale and alleges they "recorded, transcribed and retained" private conversations for ten years.
A Fremantle spokesperson told the Mirror on October 7: "We had a long and productive relationship with David and so are surprised and saddened by this legal action. For our part, we remain available and open to dialogue to resolve this matter amicably. However, in the interim, we will examine the various allegations and are prepared to robustly defend ourselves if necessary."