Simon Cowell is set to return to our screens later this month as Britain’s Got Talent makes its highly anticipated comeback – but it seems the music mogul wasn’t received well by the audience
The countdown is on for the new series of Britain’s Got Talent with judge Simon Cowell set to make his comeback for the 18th season.
It’s no secret that Simon’s not considered the favourite judge from the show, gaining the nickname Mr. Nasty, but it seems this season’s auditions took things up a notch.
And when it came time for the ITV team to begin editing the audition footage from Winter Gardens in Blackpool, reports suggest that the recordings were filled with boos and heckles aimed at the judge – to the point where the team found it hard to find any parts that weren’t ruined by name-calling.
The Sun report that there were shouts of “You old fart” whenever Simon criticised any performers but it appears the music mogul took it all in stride.
“Simon isn’t vain in that way and found the heckling absolutely hilarious – even when they were calling him an old fart,” an insider told the outlet.
They went on to say that cheeky Simon “loves” the Blackpool crowd and is well aware he “might be on the receiving end” of their banter. He even “encouraged them to misbehave” even if sometimes the misbehaviour can cause a headache for the production team,” the source added. However, they reassured that the producers also had a “good laugh” at Simon’s expense.
Britain’s Got Talent is back on our screens on February 22 with Simon being joined by Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli.
And filling in for Bruno when he’s off with other commitments is internet sensation KSI, joining as a guest judge. Meanwhile, telly faves Ant and Dec are set to charm us once again as they host the beloved series.
Showing respect, the programme’s glow was dimmed last October when auditions were delayed after the heart-rending passing of One Direction star Liam Payne.
Just a week before his death, the judges had gathered in Blackpool Winter Gardens to mark the new series getting underway. However, the show later confirmed they postponed the auditions to honour him.
Liam’s former mentor, Simon, who watched over the One Direction boys on X-Factor in 2010, took to social media to express his deep sorrow: “Liam, I am truly devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you”.
“This is so difficult to put in words right now. I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together.” He also added a touching note about the late star’s endearing love for his fans.