David Walliams has said the foreign acts who participate in Britain’s Got Talent “set the bar higher” for the ITV talent show.
Speaking at the show’s London launch, the 44-year-old judge defended the non-British acts who have, to date, signed up for Britain’s Got Talent (BGT).
“It’s sort of become ‘World’s Got Talent’, this show, and that puts us in a very special place,” he said.
“I hate to think we wouldn’t have people from around the world because they set the bar higher.”
Show boss Simon Cowell, 56, was absent from the launch due to filming commitments for America’s Got Talent. However, Walliams took the opportunity to dress up as his panel partner, sporting Cowell’s trademark sunglasses, black trousers pulled up high and a white shirt with a bit of chest exposed.
He also made jokes at the TV mogul’s expense.
“Simon’s been in a good mood this year. I think he’s having regular sex,” the London-born comedian and children’s author quipped.
Walliams also poked fun at The X Factor chief and former judge Louis Walsh when asked what he would do if he were Cowell for a day: “I’d get up at about four in the afternoon and say, ‘Louis, it’s time to get up!” he joked.
Tonight, viewers will see Cowell, Walliams, Dixon and Amanda Holden cast an eye over acts including singers, dancers and performing animals.
Talking about the acts tasked with winning over the panel and public, Walliams sympathised with the comedians.
“It’s doubly tough for the comics on this show,” he said.
“The audience has been there a long time and they’re generally not as patient as they might be in a comedy club and it’s quite tough to come on and have to talk about it before you do your act as well, if you’re a comic.”
He added: “It’s rare that they do well. When they do, it’s great.”
Responding to those who say BGT should not include established acts, Wild At Heart actress Holden said: “The competition is open to everybody.”
“There’s opportunities for absolutely everybody. Anybody that’s talented –or not – can come on Britain’s Got Talent.”
Walliams agreed, saying that ultimately, the public decides.