Simon Cowell has addressed David Walliams’ departure from Britain’s Got Talent for the first time.
The 63-year-old star, who serves as a producer on the show in addition to sitting on the panel, has branded vile remarks made by the 51-year-old former judge ‘unacceptable and upsetting’.
Last year, Walliams came underneath fireplace over leaked recordings which exposed scathing remarks about contestants, and he later apologised for his offensive comments.
He said: ‘I would like to apologise to the people I made disrespectful comments about during breaks in filming for Britain’s Got Talent in 2020. These have been private conversations and – like most conversations with associates – have been by no means meant to be shared. However, I am sorry.’
The explanation for his departure has not been confirmed, however he later stepped down with Strictly star Bruno Tonioli, 67, coming in as his substitute for the brand new sequence.
Asked in regards to the situation, boss Simon informed The Sun: ‘I didn’t really get involved in the decision. From what I understand, he decided to take a step back.
‘It all happened relatively quickly. I was on holiday and then the next thing is I’m having conversations about who’s going to take his place.’
He noted that he told ‘the two producers’ to ‘make the ultimate decision’, noting they’re ‘more hands on’ with that aspect of the production.
‘Obviously everyone had some input — the network, the producers Fremantle, all of us said at the time, these comments are completely unacceptable,’ he mentioned. ‘I had not heard them before and, yeah, it was upsetting.’
Nevertheless, Simon admitted he didn’t factor the feedback were a ‘constant’, including that the Little Britain star appeared ‘very respectful’ of the contestants.
‘However from the place I’m sitting, this wasn’t one thing I consider was fixed,’ he mentioned. ‘More often than not David appeared very respectful and emotional in regards to the contestants and was doing all the pieces {that a} choose ought to be doing on a present like this.’
In the meantime, new judge Bruno previously revealed that David was among the first to congratulate him on his new position, as he informed Radio Times: ‘I haven’t seen David, but he was the first particular person to ship me a message saying congratulations.
‘He additionally sent a fantastic bottle of Italian wine to my dressing room on my first day. I thought that was absolute class.’