08 January 2023 , 00:45
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Graham Norton has reportedly turned down the opportunity to be a judge on the panel of Britain’s Got Talent.
The chat show host, 59, was reportedly in talks to replace David Walliams, 51, on the series, however the deal collapsed just weeks before auditions were set to take place at the London Palladium.
The space on the panel comes after David Walliams stepped down from the role late last year, after derogatory comments he made about previous contestants were leaked in the media. The comedian had been a part of the BGT panel for 10 years.
He recently apologised for making the foul-mouthed comments about the show’s contestants.
BGT wasn't a project Graham wanted to take on (Dave Benett/Getty Images)His statement read: "These were private conversations and – like most conversations with friends – were never intended to be shared. Nevertheless, I am sorry."
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Following the scandal, ITV bosses reportedly wanted Graham to replace David, who has had success with his BBC1 evening talk show, The Graham Norton Show, alongside his Virgin Radio DJ slot.
According to The Sun, a source said: “Bosses had their hearts set on Graham.
"He is so popular with viewers and would make a great addition.
“Money was not the issue but, after some thought, Graham realised it was not a project he wanted to take on right now.”
David Walliams stepped down after derogatory comments he made about the show's contestants were leaked (Dymond/Thames/Syco/REX/Shutterstock)It is thought that producers may sign another comic to join the panel, with the line-up currently as Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon.
BGT reportedly said: “The line-up will be announced in due course.”
The show’s presenters, Ant and Dec, have recently spoke out about the future of Britain’s Got Talent, following David’s comments.
The duo appeared on Lorraine, where they confirmed the show would be back.
The talk show host asked them: "Loads of things are happening this year, as always. Britain's Got Talent is coming back?"
They both responded: "Yes, Britain's Got Talent is coming back."
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Lorraine then continued: "And with a different judge, but we don't know who?"
Dec replied, saying: "We don't know!"