DAVID Walliams was once known for being the staple of Britain’s Got Talent, thanks to his top job on the judging panel.
That’s why fans were shocked when he announced he would be leaving the ITV show.
David Walliams quit Britain’s Got Talent in 2022Rex
Why did David Walliams leave Britain’s Got Talent?
In November 2022, David Walliams stepped down from being a BGT judge.
His decision to quit the ITV show came after a transcript of comments he made about contestants during a break in filming were made public.
In a statement issued before he quit, he said: “I would like to apologise to the people I made disrespectful comments about during breaks in filming for Britain’s Got Talent in 2020.
“These were private conversations and – like most conversations with friends – were never intended to be shared. Nevertheless, I am sorry.”
In the leaked transcripts David called one OAP a “c***” three times and said of another: “She thinks you want to f*** her, but you don’t.”
The remarks were picked up on his microphone during auditions at the London Palladium in January 2020.
It was then revealed in September 2023 that David had launched legal action against the BGT production company, Fremantle, over the damaging leak.
The entertainer and his lawyers argued the comments were part of private conversations that were never intended for broadcast.
He accused them of a data protection breach over the leaked transcript which ended his BGT judging career.
Then on November 27, 2023, it was revealed how the TV comic had sensationally secured a huge payout following his lawsuit.
It is reported he has reached an out of court settlement with makers Fremantle Media which is said to be a seven-figure sum.
David joined the talent show in 2012, and was a judge on the show for a decade.
He first joined BGT alongside pop star Alesha Dixon, with the pair replacing Michael McIntyre and David Hasselhoff.
During his ten years as judge, he proved popular, and even scooped three Best Judge gongs at the National Television Awards.
Away from BGT, he is a best-selling author, comedian, and TV and film star
Who replaced David Walliams on Britain’s Got Talent?
After David stepped down, comedian Alan Carr was strongly rumoured to be replacing him on BGT.
But the Channel 4 Chatty Man favourite was pipped to the post by another reality show judge – Bruno Tonioli.
The Sun revealed that the former Strictly judge landed a huge pay cheque after landing the plum ITV prime-time job.
The popular TV star proved to be a big hit with fans when he joined the show in 2023.
Viewers loved him so much that he bagged himself a pay rise for the 2024 series.
Speaking about the job, Bruno told Radio Times: “I had a ball, partly because I had never seen it before. It’s true! Simon has teased me to death about it.
“I didn’t even watch Strictly – I don’t watch shows that have a judging panel, because I don’t want to be influenced by another judge.
“I just want to do my own thing. But I had the best time.”
Who are the other judges on Britain’s Got Talent?
Simon Cowell
Simon Cowell has been the BGT head judge since its inception in 2007.
He first came to national attention as the hard-to-please judge on Pop Idol, before he created The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.
Despite overseeing several of his American talent shows, he has remained committed to BGT and has only been away during the 2011 audition rounds.
Amanda Holden
Amanda Holden is the longest-serving regular BGT judge, and has appeared on every series since the show started in 2007.
Over the years on the show, the sexy star has become best known for daring outfits which have caused quite a stir with viewers.
When Amanda‘s not busy with BGT, she co-hosts the Heart Breakfast radio show with Jamie Theakston on weekday mornings.
She has had a vast career as an actress, singer and presenter.
Alesha Dixon
Alesha Dixon first shot to fame as a member of noughties girl band Mis-Teeq, before becoming a successful solo artist.
Her top hits include The Boy Does Nothing and Breathe Slow.
However, Alesha’s fame skyrocketed after winning the fifth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2007.
Due to her success she was given a position on the Strictly judging panel, before leaving to join BGT.