SIMON: ‘THIS SERIES IS EVERYTHING I WANTED – IT'S INCREDIBLE!'

DAVID WALLIAMS ALESHA DIXON AMANDA HOLDEN AND ANT &DEC JOIN SIMON COWELL FOR A NEW SEASON OF BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT

- ELLIE KIRWIN-JONES

THE GREATEST SHOW

After a long year away from our screens, the nation’s favourite family show, Britain’s Got Talent, finally makes its much-anticipated return this Saturday night.

Now in its 15th series, the multi-award-winning extravaganza is bigger than ever, with even more performers doing all they can to impress judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams and secure their place in the live semi-finals.

And it seems the judges have never felt more at home returning to the auditorium, as head judge Simon, 62, explains, “When we all got back together I think we realised how much we enjoy making the show. We did miss each other, we get on and work well together.”

This year, the judges and hosting duo Ant and Dec will be celebrating their 10th year as a team. Talking about how much they’ve changed in that time, Dec Donnelly, 46, reveals, “I think we’ve all learned a lot. He understand the show more and appreciate how much hard work goes into each act. We also recognise which ones have that magic fairy dust, making them a golden audition. I think we’ve all been doing it so long now, there’s a realisation of what really works.”

Ant McPartlin, also 46, admits it was “emotional” hosting with Dec again after their diaries felt “empty and weird”. But more than that, Ant says, “I would say the vibe of this series is one of gratitude. Gratitude from us that the acts are back, and gratitude from the acts to be able to perform on stage again, because people haven’t worked for so long.”