BGT judges reveal they’re looking forward to Simon Cowell’s return next year after accident

Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, David Walliams and Ashley Banjo have revealed they’re ‘looking forward’ to welcoming Simon Cowell back to Britain’s Got Talent after he broke his back in bike accident four months ago.

Judges Amanda, 49, Alesha, 42, David, also 49, and Ashley, 32, posed alongside hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly for a glamorous photoshoot ahead of the ITV show’s Christmas special.

And in a new interview, the panellists have gushed about ‘missing’ music mogul Simon, 61, and hope he makes a comeback to the main show once he fully recovers from his injury.

When asked about whether she believes the TV star will reprise his duties in the coming months, singer Alesha said: ‘I really hope so, I missed him so much. 

‘We were like, ”I cannot wait for day one of the first auditions where we get reunited with Simon.” Obviously, Ashley stepped in and he’s been brilliant, that’s my brother. I love him. I’ve got so much time for him and he’s a star.’

Ashley, who filled in for the X Factor creator during the programme’s live shows this year, added: ‘It’ll just be nice for him to be back. 

‘He’s such a powerhouse and I’m so glad he is feeling better now after his accident. At the same time, if he wants me to continue for him, I am more than happy.’

All four judges are set to perform for the first time in the series’ 14-year history on the show.

Presenters Ant and Dec, both 45, meanwhile, will join the panel on stage as they transform into Christmas elves. 

Comedian David admitted that while he also can’t wait until Simon returns, he believes the acid-tongued businessman wouldn’t take part in the performance if he was involved in the festive edition.

The Little Britain star shared: ‘I just don’t think he would because I don’t think that’s his thing at all. 

‘Credit to him, he’s never pretended that’s his thing. I would say with Simon, he’s quite game at standing on stage and having a knife thrown next to his head or something like that! But you wouldn’t get him singing or dancing.’

Heart Breakfast host Amanda explained why the episode will come at a great time for viewers during the pandemic, stating: ‘Well, it’s the perfect present, isn’t it, for everybody? 

‘After this year, I think BGT on Christmas Day for the first time-ever will be a real tonic for everyone. This show has got everything. It makes you cry. It makes you howl with laughter. It makes you reflect. 

‘I just kept sitting there thinking how proud I am that I’ve been part of every single one of these acts’ moment on stage. Right from the beginning, it was like my life flashing before me. 

‘It’s an honour to be part of Christmas telly, because it’s an iconic day to be on. There’s no vote, it’s not a competition, did that change the feel of the show? 

‘We celebrate everything it means to be British, but with this special there’s no winner, it’s not about that, it’s just a celebration of the show and simply a good, all round, fabulous entertainment show. 

‘Being part of it was a thrill. I think both Alesha and I were quite nervous, but I kept saying to her that we were performing in the best ever circumstances.’

Alesha will captivate audiences with a rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas alongside 2017 winner, pianist Tokio Myers. 

Expected to raise the roof, Ashley – who was at the centre of headlines for his powerful BGT-inspired performance with Diversity – will reunite with the troupe, 2018 finalists DVJ and 2008 winner George Sampson for a seasonal dance.

David’s Comedy Christmas Calendar will see him team up with fellow comedians, including 2013 finalist Francine Lewis, 2018 winner Lost Voice Guy, this year’s runner-up Steve Royle, 2018 finalist Robert White and 2017 contestant Daliso Chaponda, as well as singing duo Katherine and Joe, who auditioned for the show three times.

Showcasing her incredible vocal range, Amanda will belt out Home for Christmas with musical theatre group and 2014 winners Collabro. 

The action-packed show will also see the likes of fan favourites Ashleigh & Sully, 2019 runner-up Ben Hart and 2008 finalist Stavros Flatley return to screens. 

In a remote performance, 2019 Winner Colin Thackery will sing What A Wonderful World as part of a celebration to the heroes of 2020.  

The 2020 series concluded in October with musical comic Jon Courtenay becoming the first ever Golden Buzzer act to win the talent show.  

Pianist Jon – who will return to the stage with an original Christmas song – beat runners up Steve and Sign Along With Us to the scoop the prize, and enthused of his successful stint: ‘Just amazing, I can’t believe it. Listen, thank you. You don’t know how much this means. 

‘You have changed my life, my family’s life. My mum, I can’t imagine how you’re coping right now. I hope you’re still alive!’

The champion not only bagged himself a slot at the coveted Royal Variety Performance but was also awarded a whopping £250,000 for winning the hit ITV show.

Britain’s Got Talent: Christmas Spectacular airs on Christmas Day at 8pm on ITV.