David Walliams ‘quits BGT’: Amanda Holden is ‘team David’ while Simon Cowell refuses to back star

Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell weighed in on the David Walliams scandal after abusive comments he made about Britain’s Got Talent contestants were leaked.

David, 51, has reportedly quit the ITV show ahead of the 2023 series weeks after being forced to apologize for describing an older contestant as a ‘c***’ and making vile sexual remarks about a woman who competed.

But despite the backlash, Amanda, 51, publicly supported her co-star this week as she proudly declared herself “team David.”

Speaking about the future of Britain’s Got Talent, Amanda told Good Morning Britain on Monday: ‘I’d like to see the judging panel look like it used to be. I think we’re a great team, we’re a family.’

Directly asked if she was “Team David,” she replied, “Of course I’m Team David.”

Simon, 63, was not so candid when questioned in an interview with his fellow judge The daily star on Monday.

When asked about David’s behavior, Simon replied, “Can’t we go there?” If you do not mind.’

When asked if David would appear on the 2023 BGT panel, he cryptically replied: “Ask me in a few weeks.”

He also insisted that the judges were not key to the show’s success, musing: “I think for me that’s the most important thing — and I had this conversation the other day. It’s always about the talent.

“If you don’t have great talent, you don’t have a show,” he said. “That’s all I care about.”

Britain’s Got Talent’s remaining judge Alesha Dixon has yet to comment on the news.

Days after Simon and Amanda’s comments, David is said to have quit Britain’s Got Talent after 10 years as a judge.

Show bosses are thought to already have a replacement lined up before filming begins next year.

A source told The sun“He didn’t take the decision lightly, but it just feels like time to move on.”

David has decided to retire after ten years. He wants to leave with a good feeling after a wonderful time.

“His team has been quietly having conversations over the past few days making it clear that David is about to step down – and then producers will start thinking about who could replace him.”

David’s co-stars, Simon, Amanda and Alesha are negotiating their contracts for 2023. None of them have signed a deal yet.

A BGT source told MailOnline: ‘It is currently very much up in the air whether David will take part in next year’s show. However, no decision has been made yet.’

A Britain’s Got Talent spokesperson said: ‘The jury for Britain’s Got Talent 2023 will be announced in due course.’

Oti Mabuse is reportedly being considered as a replacement for David, with reality show bosses discussing how the former professional dancer on BBC’s Strictly would be perfect for the role.

She is currently at the center of a tug-of-war between ITV and the BBC, who both want her to star in their shows due to her overwhelming popularity.

David’s future on BGT was in doubt after he described an older contestant as an asshole and made vile sexual comments about a woman who was also on the show.

The comments, made in January 2020 during auditions at the London Palladium, were picked up by the programme’s microphones and revealed earlier this month.

In one incident, picked up by the show’s microphones, an elderly performer engaged in light-hearted banter with the judges in which he made a joke about David, an exposé from The Guardian claimed.

After the audition, the pensioner left, after which David allegedly described him as a ‘c**t’ three times.

In a separate incident, after a female contestant walked off stage, David remarked, “She’s like the slightly boring girl you meet in the pub and think you want to fuck them, but you don’t.” He later added, “I know, she just says, ‘Oh, f*** off!’ I said she thinks you want to fuck her, but you don’t.

“It’s the last thing on your mind, but she’s like, ‘Yeah, I bet you do!’

‘No, I won’t! I had a little ab***r, but it’s okay now, it’s shriveled up in my body now.’

Sources close to BGT said David’s return was “very threatened” and he was “under the microscope”, while some senior staff said he should be suspended immediately.

A source said: ‘This couldn’t have come at a worse time in terms of his return to BGT, discussions are currently underway so David’s comments have now become a big part of the conversation.

“He hasn’t signed a contract yet and that’s a relief because now there are options. It’s a family show and this isn’t just a negative thing, it’s offensive to people.

“It has put David in a very precarious position. There are some people involved in the show who flat out don’t want him back, there’s a danger that this incident will become part of the BGT story and no one wants that. It’s a beautiful show that brings so much joy.

“Some say David’s return is now highly unlikely.”

In a statement to The Guardian, the Little Britain star said: “I want to apologize to the people I made disrespectful comments about during filming breaks for Britain’s Got Talent in 2020.

“These were private conversations and — like most conversations with friends — were never meant to be shared. Still, I’m sorry.’

An ITV spokesperson said: ‘We do not condone the language outlined in these allegations and we have spoken to the producers of Britain’s Got Talent.

“Duty of care to all participants in all of our programs is always paramount and we have established protocols and guidelines for all our manufacturing partners.”

Meanwhile, sources at London-based production company Thames said they have provided improved training and education for BGT judges on their language and increased respect for contestants.

A spokesperson said: ‘While it related to a private conversation from nearly three years ago, the language was inappropriate.

“Although it was private, those involved have been spoken to and reminded of their responsibilities and the show’s expectations regarding future professional conduct.”