Amanda Holden says not having a live audience on Britain’s Got Talent ‘makes no sense’

Amanda Holden has claimed having no audience on Britain’s Got Talent ‘makes no sense’, after it was revealed the 2021 edition was scrapped.

On Thursday it was announced the show had been postponed until the autumn as COVID-19 lockdown scuppered plans for nationwide auditions.

Speaking about the decision on Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston on Friday, the radio presenter, 49, said having the public there during auditions was necessary as it ‘affects the quality of the show’ because they’re ‘the fifth judge’.

Right decision: Amanda Holden said on Friday that not having a live audience on Britain’s Got Talent ‘makes no sense’, after the 2021 series was scrapped over COVID-19 lockdown

She explained: ‘We were due to start filming on the 18th of January and then it was pushed to the 28th and then we got the call yesterday before the press release just saying, look I think out of every show on television Britain’s Got Talent needs the audience. 

‘We need you guys, because we call them the fifth judge and it just makes no sense not to have them behind us.’

Amanda said she was happy with the decision to delay the show, as she went on to say she ‘would rather wait’ until it’s safe to have the show with an audience.

They're needed: Amanda (pictured on the show last year) said having the public there during auditions was necessary as it 'affects the quality of the show' because they're 'the fifth judge'

They’re needed: Amanda (pictured on the show last year) said having the public there during auditions was necessary as it ‘affects the quality of the show’ because they’re ‘the fifth judge’

Thoughts: Amanda said, 'I think out of every show on television Britain’s Got Talent needs the audience... we call them the fifth judge and it just makes no sense not to have them behind us'

Thoughts: Amanda said, ‘I think out of every show on television Britain’s Got Talent needs the audience… we call them the fifth judge and it just makes no sense not to have them behind us’

She said: ‘I think it affects the show and it affects the quality of the show and with the biggest will in the world – because there’s so much hard work backstage and everyone’s really done a huge effort to make it the best show it can be – it still affects it, so I would rather wait and make it the best it can be and put it on in the Autumn.’ 

Discussing head judge Simon Cowell’s return, she added: ‘I’ll miss Simon though. It will be nearly two years since I’ve actually touched him!’

Ashley Roberts told her she’d have to ‘give him a big cuddle’ when they do see each other again, to which Amanda joked: ‘I will, if I’m allowed or I might poke him with a stick.’

Candid: Amanda went on, 'I think it affects the show and it affects the quality of the show... so I would rather wait and make it the best it can be and put it on in the Autumn'

Candid: Amanda went on, ‘I think it affects the show and it affects the quality of the show… so I would rather wait and make it the best it can be and put it on in the Autumn’

Co-stars: Amanda did say she would 'miss' head judge Simon Cowell, as 'it will be nearly two years since I’ve actually touched him!' (pictured with David Walliams and Alesha Dixon)

Co-stars: Amanda did say she would ‘miss’ head judge Simon Cowell, as ‘it will be nearly two years since I’ve actually touched him!’ (pictured with David Walliams and Alesha Dixon)

In a statement released on Thursday, ITV said they’re hopeful the show will return later this year, but have delayed plans to start auditions later this month due to government restrictions.

They said: ‘The filming for the 15th series of Britain’s Got Talent has been postponed from its proposed record dates in late January.

‘With the announcement of the latest Government health guidelines and with our priority of safeguarding the well-being of everyone involved in our programmes we, together with the production teams at Thames and Syco, have taken the decision to move the record and broadcast of the forthcoming series.

On hold: On Thursday it was announced the show had been postponed until the autumn as COVID-19 lockdown scuppered plans for nationwide auditions

On hold: On Thursday it was announced the show had been postponed until the autumn as COVID-19 lockdown scuppered plans for nationwide auditions

They added in the statement: ‘We will confirm revised dates in due course.’  

It had been reported that bosses decided to delay auditions as they would be unable to film auditions with a live audience during current restrictions.

Sources also claimed that a vast production, with acts travelling from across the world to take part, wasn’t viable even though other TV productions have continued. 

Pushed back: In a statement, ITV said they're hopeful the show will return later this year, but have delayed plans to start auditions later this month (2020 winner Jon Courtenay pictured)

Pushed back: In a statement, ITV said they’re hopeful the show will return later this year, but have delayed plans to start auditions later this month (2020 winner Jon Courtenay pictured)

The delay comes just days after a source told MailOnline that BGT bosses had already settled on a UK location to film the auditions, following claims they were considering filming at different locations across the globe.

The source said at the time: ‘The auditions are currently planned for a venue at the end of January/early February.

‘Obviously if that’s not feasible safety-wise, producers will look at other options and contingencies.’ 

The Sun previously claimed performances would then be sent back via video link to the celebrity judges in the UK so bosses could still ‘put on a show’.

Not yet! This series was also set to mark the return of Simon to the judging panel, as he was forced to miss last year's live shows after breaking his back in a bike accident

Not yet! This series was also set to mark the return of Simon to the judging panel, as he was forced to miss last year’s live shows after breaking his back in a bike accident

England was placed in a third COVID-19 lockdown on Monday, with residents ordered to stay at home unless for essential reasons.

However most television and film production is allowed to continue as long as COVID-19 regulations, such as the use of masks and regular testing, are followed. 

ITV bosses now face the challenge of replacing BGT in the TV schedule, with the show usually airing sometime in April after auditions are filmed in January and February.

This series was also set to mark the return of Simon to the judging panel, as he was forced to miss last year’s live shows after breaking his back in a bike accident.

Pushed back: Last year BGT was thrown into chaos by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the live shows delayed from May to September

Pushed back: Last year BGT was thrown into chaos by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the live shows delayed from May to September

Last year BGT was thrown into chaos by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the live shows delayed from May to September and aired in front of a virtual audience to ensure it was adhered to COVID-19 restrictions.

Some contestants were also unable to perform live in the semi-finals due to travel concerns, and Ashley Banjo was drafted in to replace Simon on the judging panel.

The auditions were able to air as planned in April as they were filmed before the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The series concluded with singer Jon Courtenay crowned champion.

Back on screens: BGT also aired its first ever Christmas Special last month, with the judges all tested ahead of filming so they didn't have to maintain social distancing

Back on screens: BGT also aired its first ever Christmas Special last month, with the judges all tested ahead of filming so they didn’t have to maintain social distancing

BGT also aired its first ever Christmas Special last month, with the judges Amanda Holden, David Walliams, Alesha Dixon and Ashley all tested ahead of filming so they didn’t have to maintain social distancing.

It comes after it was reported last week that filming for the new series has been delayed for weeks because of COVID-19 rule changes. 

A source told The Sun: ‘Covid’s causing havoc with BGT filming. The producers want to keep viewers entertained and put a smile on people’s faces but the safety of the cast, crew and contestants is the priority.

‘It is at the centre of every decision. A live audience and their reaction is a vital part of the show’s success, too, so producers want to keep that element and, if it all means delays, then so be it.’ 

Plans: ITV bosses now face the challenge of replacing BGT in the TV schedule, with the show usually airing sometime in April after auditions are filmed in January and February

Plans: ITV bosses now face the challenge of replacing BGT in the TV schedule, with the show usually airing sometime in April after auditions are filmed in January and February