Simon Cowell takes huge dig at Amanda Holden after she begs to extend BGT contract
Simon Cowell didn’t hold back when commenting on Amanda Holden today after the Britain’s Got Talent judge begged to stay on the show.
The mum-of-two, 52, has been a judge on the ITV talent series since 2004. However, the world of showbiz is a fickle mistress and so during the grand finale, which aired on Sunday, Amanda put Simon, 64, on the spot to determine her future – and her salary.
During a performance by magician Jack Rhodes, she asked the media mogul for a “place on the show for next two years and an uplift”. Smirking, Simon said: “Yes to the first one and no to second”.
The dad-of-one has now made a dig at the No Holden back star when he rocked up on Capital Radio to announce his latest project, searching for the UK’s next new boyband. Pointing out Simon could have made the announcement on Amanda’s rival Heart FM show, Jordan North said: “Can we just say, thank you for coming to see us and announce it first and not going upstairs to Heart, because we know Amanda Holden is your very good friend.” Smirking, again, Simon took a dig at Amanda, saying: “Well I always told Amanda that you are the better show.”
The future of Britain’s Got Talent is currently up in the air after it was reported Bruno Tonioli could be heading for the exit door. The Strictly Come Dancing star, 68, replaced David Walliams, 52, who quit the ITV show after questionable comments he made about the series’ contestants were leaked. Chatty Man, Alan Carr, 48, was said to be a shoo-in for the coveted role on BGT, however, when it was announced that Bruno had bagged the gig, the Italian was philosophical.
Speaking about beating Alan to the role, he said: “That’s show business”. When asked about being chosen over Chatty Man host at the last minute, Bruno added it would “not at all” be awkward if he bumped into Alan again.
The ITV talent show is currently undergoing a £100million revamp, which includes a change in filming dates, causing a scheduling nightmare for Bruno, who also judges Dancing with the Stars. An insider told The Sun: “Once it became clear auditions were starting in October, as opposed to January as per the previous 17 series, it became clear Bruno may not be able to take part.” They added: “He’s committed to the US, but the new format for BGT is non-negotiable because the show will effectively be replacing Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.”
Despite the Italian’s popularity among judges and viewers alike, his exit could open the door for Alan, who was rumoured to have been in discussions with Simon about joining the panel before Bruno secured the coveted spot. The comedian is already good pals with Amanda, having collaborated with the BGT judge on their BBC travel show.