15 April 2023 , 17:00
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David Walliams shocked Britain’s Got Talent fans in November 2022 when he announced he was set to leave the long-running show.
The comedian-turned-children's author joined the judging panel in 2012 alongside Simon Cowell, 63, Amanda Holden, 52, and Alesha Dixon 44.
However, he quit the show last year as he reportedly felt 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 vile comments towards BGT contestants was leaked.
The disrespectful conversations were made during filming at the London Palladium in 2020.
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During one intimate discussion, David described a contestant as a "c**t", before claiming another contestant would think the judge wanted to "f**k her".
David Walliams stepped down as a judge following leaked comments (Dymond/Thames/Syco/REX/Shutterstock)
David reportedly wanted to try new things (Dymond/Thames/REX/Shutterstock)The Guardian obtained several transcripts of conversations between Walliams and the unknown person, including one calling a male contestant a "c**t" on three occasions after the pensioner appeared to make a lighthearted jibe at Walliams.
Another comment came after a female auditionee walked off the famous stage, with David heard to be saying: "She's like the slightly boring girl you meet in the pub that thinks you want to f**k them, but you don't".
Despite the harshness of the comments, the lawyers who represent him and the show's production company Thames TV, argued that the comments were part of a private conversation and not meant for the public.
The news resulted in a mass of headlines and sparked a wave of criticism of the star.
Not long after the recordings were leaked, it was announced the comedian would be stepping down from his position as a judge on the show.
David apologised for making the "disrespectful comments" during filming breaks.
In a statement he said: “I would like to apologise to the people I made disrespectful comments about during breaks in filming for Britain’s Got Talent in 2020.
“These were private conversations and – like most conversations with friends – were never intended to be shared. Nevertheless, I am sorry.”
Bruno Tonioli was announced as a new judge on BGT (Getty Images)
Bruno has joined the judging panelFollowing his apology rumours began to swirl that David had made the decision to leave the programme, one which sources said was "not taken lightly".
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"David has decided to bow out after a ten-year run. He wants to leave on a high after a wonderful time," an insider told The Sun.
"Being on the show has been a huge source of entertainment and joy for him and he is arguably the most popular member of the panel."
Following David’s ultimate exit from the show, Britain's Got Talent bosses were believed to have gone into “panic mode” after failing to find a replacement.
Graham Norton, 59, turned down the role, and at the time ITV bosses had reportedly failed to get would-be replacements Bruno Tonioli, 67, and Alan Carr, 46, to sign a contract.
However, just days before filming for the new series began, former Strictly Come Dancing star Bruno was announced as the new judge.
Show insiders said they were “thrilled” by the deal, revealing: “Bruno has all the right experience and his famous exuberance will go down a treat.
Rumours of falling outs following Bruno's appointment have been quashed (ITV)“He and Simon have long hoped to work together so this has proved the perfect opportunity. Everyone’s very excited.”
As Bruno was confirmed as the new judge, he said: “Here we are, Britain’s Got Talent. I am so excited. It’s my first show, I have no idea what’s going to happen, but I’m sure it’s going to be brilliant.”
The exuberant Italian also revealed that there were no hard feelings between him and former judge, David.
He explained: "David sent me a text and a fantastic bottle of wine. He's a very good friend."
Bruno also rubbished rumours there was a row over cash – with fellow judges Alesha, 44, and Amanda, reportedly furious he was being paid more than them – are "rubbish".
He said: "It's vulgar to talk about money, I never do it. So I don't know what the girls are getting...
"There is no frostiness with the girls. We've been having so much fun."
The show is returning this spring with its 16th series, promising to be back and bigger than ever before, with even more show-stopping performers vying to impress the judges and secure their place in the live-semi-finals later this year.
The show has told fans to expect the unexpected as the acts battle it out for the chance to scoop the massive £250,000 prize and perform at the prestigious Royal Variety Performance.
Introducing him at the London Palladium via Rocky soundtrack Eye of the Tiger, host Dec said: "We’re so excited to be back! We’ve got a bit of a change this year, a brand new judge on the panel!"