Simon Cowell breaks his silence on David Walliams’ Britain’s Got Talent exit
SIMON Cowell has spoken for the first time about David Walliams’ departure from Britain’s Got Talent.
The Sun revealed the much-loved comedian had stepped back from the ITV hit late last year.
It came after David, 51, apologised for making sweary comments about Britain’s Got Talent contestants.
He said: “These were private conversations and, like most conversations with friends, were never intended to be shared. Nevertheless, I am sorry.”
Speaking an a new interview, BGT boss Simon, 63, said he felt the comments were against the “ethos” of the family show.
He added: “I didn’t really get involved in the decision. From what I understand, he decided to take a step back.
“It all happened relatively quickly. I was on holiday and then the next thing is I’m having conversations about who’s going to take his place.”
He added: “We did say to the two producers: ‘You have to make the final decision’ because, yeah, I am an exec producer, but they’re more hands on.
“Obviously everyone had some input — the network, the producers Fremantle, all of us said at the time, these comments are completely unacceptable.
“I had not heard them before and, yeah, it was upsetting. But from where I’m sitting, this wasn’t something I believe was constant.”
He added: “Most of the time David seemed very respectful and emotional about the contestants and was doing everything that a judge should be doing on a show like this.”
The star’s place on the show – which returned to ITV1 last night – has been filled by Strictly Come Dancing’s Bruno Tonioli.
Britain’s Got Talent returns to ITV1 tonight at 7.45pm