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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Tamara Davison

BGT's David Walliams makes cheeky jibe about Simon Cowell as he misses semi-finals

Britain's Got Talent judge David Walliams made a cheeky dig about Simon Cowell after he was forced to skip the semi-finals because of an injury.

As the ITV show made a triumphant return this evening, David was joined by Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Simon's replacement Ashley Banjo.

As the judges settled into their seats and chatted to Ant & Dec, David took the opportunity to make a sly dig at his former co-host and joked that he only said "no to people" anyway.

"As you probably already know Simon isn't with us for the semi final but we all wish him a speedy recovery from everybody here at Britain's Got Talent," Declan told the audience.

The new judge, Ashley Banjo, then expressed his excitement at coming full circle in the hit talent show.

"What am I doing here? What is going on? I'm genuinely so excited to be sitting here, it feels like full circle, wishing Simon well obviously," Ashley added.

Ant & Dec then spoke to Amanda and Alesha before asking David the important question of how he would manage without Simon.

David Walliams made a cheeky dig about Simon Cowell (ITV)

"Simon who? We've got Ashley Banjo filling Simon's slot and he's gonna do an amazing job.

"I mean what does Simon do? He just says no to people, anyone can do that and this man has actually got talent.

"I thought it was gonna be Louis Walsh but no it's Ashley Banjo."

Ashley Banjo has replaced Simon Cowell for the live finals (Tom Dymond/REX/Shutterstock)
Simon Cowell is currently recovering after breaking his back in Los Angeles (ITV)

The show is finally back by popular demand tonight following the pandemic.

Although Simon took part in selecting which acts would make it through to the semi finals, the judge suffered a horrific accident in Los Angeles where he fell from his electric bike and broke his back.

Simon is currently recovering at his Los Angeles home, however doctors instructed that he needs to stay put - meaning he will not be appearing in the semi-finals or the finals.

His role has been handed to Diversity star Ashley Banjo, who shot to fame when he competed and won the show with his dance troupe in 2009.

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