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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Verity Sulway

New Britain’s Got Talent studio explained as first ever virtual audience watches via video call

Good Morning Britain star Richard Arnold gave an exclusive glimpse into the new Britain's Got Talent studio as the show returns for its semi-finals on Saturday.

Due to the pandemic, the studio has made some important changes to ensure the cast, crew and audience members stay safe and adhere to social distancing.

One of these changes includes the first ever virtual audience for a talent show as the viewers will tune in via video call.

Hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly are allowed to stand next to each other as they are being regularly teated for COVID-19.

The audience will join via a video call so the viewers at home can watch their reactions (ITV)

But judges Amanda Holden, Ashley Banjo and David Walliams will have to separate two metres apart in solo chairs rather than the panel table.

"As anyone who has ever worked with David Walliams will know, this is no bad thing," said Richard.

This sentiment was echoed by new chief judge Amanda, who told Lorraine Ashley was "relieved" as David would be "a safe distance from fresh blood".

(ITV)

"Necessity is the mother of invention, said Richard.

"Take a look at this giant screen behind me.

"On Saturday when this show returns you will see 500 mugshots of the nation, the first virtual audience on a talent show, it's going to look absolutely spectacular.

"So returning looking different but all the bells and whistles and back with a bang," said Richard, comparing the screen to a Curry's advert."

Meanwhile Amanda compared the virtual audience to Gogglebox, revealing the audience would really see what goes on behind the scenes with their new angle of view over the judge's podiums.

She added that she was sad they were not allowed to hug one another as they are generally a "huggy and tactile" bunch.

* Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV at 6am

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