SIMON Cowell is giving Britain’s Got Talent a much needed makeover in a big to revive the long-running talent show.
Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions will see all-stars from previous seasons compete to be named the ultimate champion. Here is everything you need to know about the line-up…
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Which acts are taking part in Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions?
Show bosses are yet to reveal the official line-up for the revamped ITV show, however, that has not stopped others from speculating about who will take part in the new series.
Names being thrown in the mix include Jai MacDowall, Stavros Flatley and George Samson.
Jai MacDowall
Jai MacDowall, a Scottish singer who won the 2011 series, has been tipped to join the show.
He beat fan-favourite Ronan Parke to be crowned the winner of fifth series at the age of 24.
Since appearing on the programme he has performed on the live final of China’s Got Talent, as well as at the Queen’s Jubilee.
Also, the singer has headlined his own Scottish tour and is currently working on his second album.
He is reportedly replacing Susan Boyle in The Champions, as she is said to be unable to film the new series.
A source told The Sun:”They didn’t want to be short of contestants and SuBo was looking unlikely to confirm her appearance.
“Jai was ecstatic and will be putting his heart into the show, in the hope of making it right to the end.”
Stavros Flatley
Stavros Flatley, whipped BGT viewers into a frenzy when they auditioned for the 2009 series.
Now, it is believed they could make a return to the show a decade after wowing judges with their topless routines.
The father and son duo – Demi and Lagi Demetriou – performed Michael Flatley’s Lord Of The Dance for their audition in the third series.
A source told the Daily Star: “Stavros Flatley have signed up to take part in Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions.
“They are one of the most iconic names ever to take part in the show so signing them up to the show was a no brainer for Simon.”
Paul Potts
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The opera singer stunned judges and viewers with his incredible vocals in the first series of Britain’s Got Talent.
In January 2019, Paul Potts performed at American’s Got Talent: The Champions.
His rendition of the classic song, Caruso, earned him a standing ovation from judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel.
George Sampson
George Sampson was just 14 when he won the show in 2008, following his dance to Mint Royale’s remix of Singin’ in the Rain.
His semi-final performance of the Mint Royal version of Singin’ in the Rain later went to number one in the UK.
After winning the series, he went on to make his West End debut in the hip-hop musical Into the Hoods.
He has also appeared in several shows, including the BBC drama Waterloo Road and Mount Pleasant.
Ashleigh and Sully
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Ashleigh Butler was victorious in 2012 when she appeared on the show with her beloved dog Pudsey.
The mutt was such a hit with Simon, he produced Pudsey: The Movie, with David Walliams voicing the dog.
However, since the passing of the pooch Ashleigh has been performing with a canine called Sully.
After announcing Pudsey’s replacement in 2017, she said Sully would “never become Pudsey”.
Collabro
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The five-piece faced tough competition in the 2014 final, as all the finalist were singers.
The classical music band beat songstress Lucy Kay and Bars and Melody to win the eighth series of Britain’s Got Talent.
Since winning the show, the group have released three albums, however, the band is now a four-piece.
Original member Richard Hadfield left the group in 2016, with his departure announced after the group returned to the BGT stage to perform that same year.
Richard Jones
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The solider became the first magician in the show’s history to win Britain’s Got Talent in 2016.
After a moving tribute to the Armed Forces in his finale performance, he was crowned the winner of the tenth series.
Wayne Woodward, a singer, and Stormtrooper dance troupe Boogie Storm came second and third, respectively.
Following his win in 2016, Richard bagged a one-off special called Operation Magic and toured the UK with his magic.
What is Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions?
Simon Cowell has revealed he is launching Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions after the success of the American version.
In February 2019, the 59-year-old laid out his four-year grand plan to overhaul his biggest TV brands exclusively to The Sun.
The show will feature winners, finalists and other successful contestants from Britain’s Got Talent and other international franchises of the series.
They will compete against each other for spots in a championship final.
When is Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions on TV?
ITV are yet to announce the release date for Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions.
However, it is thought the programme will air this autumn and is expected to have seven episodes.
Even judge Alesha Dixon has no clue when the series launches, as she told Metro: “I don’t know when it’s going out, but I think it’s going to be quite a special show.”
Who will the judges be on Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions?
The official line-up of judges is yet to be revealed, however, the four current BGT judges are likely to sit on the panel.
Alesha Dixon, a former member of the band Mis-Teeq, revealed in June that she will be filming for the show sometime in July.
Simon Cowell, David Walliams and Amanda Holden are all expected to join her.
Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly, who front the original series, are also likely to host the show.
