Raising the STAKES

DAVID WALLIAMS and ALESHA DIXON on how the competition is tougher than ever

- VICTORIA WILSON

BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT

SATURDAY, 8PM, ITV ENTERTAINMENT

At times hilarious, often uplifting and always entertaining, Britain's Got Talent offers the escapism we've all needed, so fans were delighted when it made a very welcome return to ITV last weekend after a year away.

And if its opening episodes were anything to go by, it's clear that Britain has still got plenty of talent! As the auditions continue this week, hosts Ant and Dec are watching from the wings as the next lot of hopefuls take to the stage at The London Palladium to wow judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and David Walliams with an act they think is fit for royalty.

Here, David, 50, and Alesha, 43, reveal why they are going to be a lot harder to impress this time around...

Alesha, how has it felt being back judging BGT?

ALESHA Really special and emotional. We were all excited and there was that spark in the air where everybody was so grateful to be there after having to be away from each other last year. It was emotional because we all realised how much we have missed the show and how grateful we are to be back doing what we love. BGT'is one of these feel-good shows that just tries to make everybody smile it's a distraction.

It's fun and heart-warming, which makes it the perfect tonic.

Have you sensed a similar vibe, too, David?