Simon Cowell Sheds 'Mr Soft' Persona on Britain's Got Talent
Amanda Holden has declared that Simon Cowell has finally discarded his recent 'Mr soft act' on Britain's Got Talent, returning to his famously direct and unfiltered judging style. The television personality, aged 55, provided insights into what audiences can anticipate from this year's season as the show made its celebrated comeback to screens last week.
The Influence of KSI's Honesty
Holden elaborated on the transformation, stating: 'Simon is back. He's been Mr Soft in recent years, and I think it has a lot to do with the fact that KSI is so honest on the other end of the panel.' She clarified that KSI's honesty is not negative but rather straightforward and devoid of sugar-coating. 'I think Simon's just gone, "actually, do you know what? Whatever you're saying, I agree with that as well. And I don't know why I just didn't say that in the beginning".'
Expressing her approval, Holden added: 'I'm glad to see that Simon is no longer being soft serve ice-cream, although it was nice for a year or so!' She described the current atmosphere as 'very loose and very chaotic this year!' and attributed part of this dynamic to KSI's presence. 'Having KSI there, who's very succinct in his answers and doesn't hold back, has really helped the show.'
Behind-the-Scenes Access and New Format
Simon Cowell himself revealed that viewers will gain unprecedented access to the inner workings of the show. Discussing the new series, he said: 'Fans can expect lots of surprises. We've tried to make it different this year.' He explained the intention is to 'open up as much of the background of the show as possible so that the viewer can see everything, what goes on behind the scenes, what it's like to be a contestant, what it's like to work on the show.'
Cowell likened this transparency to 'opening up a lot more to let people see how the show's made. We’re letting people behind the Wizard of Oz’s curtain, you could say.' When questioned about whether fans will witness a more personal side of the judging panel, he confirmed: 'A bit, yeah! You can expect to see things you’ve never seen from us.' However, he emphasized the focus is also on the contestants and crew, describing the production as an army and noting public interest in logistical details like setting up acts between auditions.
'I think it's important to kind of show all of that, have it a bit rough around the edges,' Cowell stated. 'We always say we’re a circus coming to town, well now you’re going to see all the chaos it takes to bring it alive.'
Stacey Solomon's Debut on the Panel
In related news, the Britain's Got Talent judges have shared their verdict on Stacey Solomon following her debut on the ITV talent competition panel. Solomon, a former X Factor contestant who gained fame in 2009, will appear alongside Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and YouTube star KSI for an upcoming episode, temporarily filling in for Simon Cowell as Amanda assumes the role of head judge.
Co-star Alesha Dixon, 47, praised Solomon's performance: 'Stacey was adorable. She’s so sweet, very natural, and I liked the way she spoke to contestants because she's always coming from a good place.' Dixon highlighted Solomon's empathy, noting: 'She knows how it feels to be on stage and audition, so she had that empathy for them. I thought she did a great job!' The show's hosts, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, along with other judges, expressed enthusiasm for Solomon's addition, describing her as warm, funny, and down-to-earth.
Britain's Got Talent continues its run, airing on Saturdays at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX, offering viewers a blend of returning sharp critiques from Simon Cowell and fresh behind-the-scenes perspectives.
