David Walliams ‘snubbed’ by Britain’s Got Talent as his exit is ignored – and fans praise his replacement
DAVID Walliams was "snubbed" by Britain's Got Talent as his exit was ignored during the show's return this weekend.
The comic stepped back from the ITV hit late last year after being forced to apologised for making sweary comments about BGT contestants.
His replacement Bruno Tonioli was introduced by host Dec Donnelly as "the brand new boy" when the auditions kicked off in front of a massive crowd.
Bruno told fans: "I am thrilled to be here. I am emotional and very, very nervous."
Despite being a judge on the talent show for ten years, 51-year-old David's absence wasn't acknowledged.
Viewers praised the former Strictly Come Dancing judge as he got off to a great start on the show.
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"Bruno is amazing on BGT," said one.
"Wasn't sure when he was announced as judge but watching ep 1 and love him!"
Another said: "Bruno is so epic as a judge he has fitted right in."
Someone else added: "Gotta say, I am LOVING Bruno on BGT. Way less annoying than Walliams."
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Head judge Simon Cowell spoke for the first time about David Walliams' departure ahead of Britain's Got Talent's return.
Simon, 63, said he felt the comments were against the “ethos” of the family show.
He added: “I didn’t really get involved in the decision. From what I understand, he decided to take a step back.
“It all happened relatively quickly. I was on holiday and then the next thing is I’m having conversations about who’s going to take his place."
He added: “We did say to the two producers: ‘You have to make the final decision’ because, yeah, I am an exec producer, but they’re more hands on.
“Obviously everyone had some input — the network, the producers Fremantle, all of us said at the time, these comments are completely unacceptable.
"I had not heard them before and, yeah, it was upsetting. But from where I’m sitting, this wasn’t something I believe was constant."
He added: “Most of the time David seemed very respectful and emotional about the contestants and was doing everything that a judge should be doing on a show like this.”
