BRITAIN’S Got Talent returns to television screens in a matter of days, and now fans have been given a first-look teaser ahead of the new series.
Despite the live BGT shows being postponed due to the global coronavirus pandemic, pre-recorded auditions will air on ITV starting on April 11.
Head judge Simon Cowell stars in the 60-second video, along with fellow judges Amanda Holden, David Walliams and Alesha Dixon.
Set to a backdrop of Andy Williams’ 1963 hit When You’re Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You), the song is very apt given the current situation around the world.
ITV confirmed that all of the scenes were filmed and created earlier this year – before the ongoing health crisis began.
And it seems 60-year-old Simon may have softened since last year, as he’s heard heaping praise on a few contestants.
At one point the father-of-four turns to the live audience and asks: “How amazing was that?!” and later exclaims: “This is what the world has been waiting for.”
Of course, it’s not quite clear who he is referring to but the trailer hints that this year there will be tap dancers, magicians, and daredevils playing with fire.
At one point, former pop star Alesha is seen pointing to the stage as she shouts: “Now that’s more like it!”
Another mystery act almost has comedian David vomiting as he screams: “I think I’m going to throw up my lasagne!”
And Amanda doesn’t seem to be immune from the shock either, as she’s seen shrieking and throwing her arms up in the air, before declaring: “Welcome to 2020!”
Some of the more bizarre acts included in the teaser, include a man dressed as the devil, a Donald Trump impersonator in a pair of bright pink tights and glittery heels, and dancing Star War characters.
However, the funniest part of the trailer has to be Simon grinning from ear-to-ear as he’s serenaded by someone dressed as Chewbacca.
Yesterday, ITV revealed that BGT will return in less than two weeks – despite the current lockdown situation.
An announcement on Twitter said: “Confirmed: Britain’s Got Talent returns Saturday 11 April at 8pm on ITV #bgt @antanddec.”
Last week ITV confirmed that the upcoming live episodes of Britain’s Got Talent hang in the balance amid the ongoing international coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, the channel revealed that “the Britain’s Got Talent audition shows are due to be broadcast in the next few weeks as planned”, however a decision had yet to be made on the live episodes – which determine the winner.
“We are also working with our production colleagues to see how we can make the BGT live shows work in an ever-changing situation and we will update on this in due course,” they concluded.
The news comes after ITV also confirmed that they would air Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway for the first time ever without a studio audience, and that they would be postponing the upcoming live episodes of The Voice.
The new series of Britain’s Got Talent begins on Saturday 11 April at 8pm on ITV.