Britain's Got Talent provided a bit of an escape from the coronavirus lockdown and back to the old normality of Saturday night - but there is uncertainty over whether the show will be able to continue into the live finals.
Viewers of the programme on Saturday evening saw hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly sending an emotional message, before introducing the programme.
They explained that the auditions were initially filmed in January and February before the coronavirus lockdown - just in case anyone mistakenly thought there was a studio full of people somewhere in London.
The Geordie duo popped up on our screens before the auditions took place, and giving a wave, Dec said: "Hello everybody. Hope you are safe and well."
The pair reassured Britain's Got Talent viewers that filming of the series took place before the UK was put into lockdown amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Ant said: "Now before we get going with our first audition of 2020 we just want to assure you everything you’re about to see was filmed this year back in January and February."
Dec added: "Yes, so from everybody at BGT and our sponsors M&S food we hope tonight’s show puts a smile on your face. So enjoy and let’s bring on the talent."
What happens when the pre-recorded auditions move into the live finals week is not yet clear - but it is unlikely to take place as it usually does.
The BGT finals and semi-finals usually take place during the May half-term week.
But bosses have been forced to suspend the live shows due to the COVID-19 outbreak - with no sign of when they may take place.
A few weeks ago, an ITV spokesman said: "The Britain's Got Talent audition shows will broadcast on ITV in the next few weeks.
"We have been working with the brilliant production teams at Thames and Syco to find a way of making the live finals work, which were due to be broadcast at the end of May.
"However, in light of the latest government health guidelines and in line with our priority of safeguarding the well-being of everyone involved in our programmes, production of the live shows cannot go ahead as planned."
The auditions got off to a cracking start tonight with an amazing array of talent being showcased.
There was an extreme contortionist that left viewers feeling sick, a talented young boy with a sad confession and an incredible choir that got David Walliams’ golden buzzer.
