BGT boss Simon Cowell has admitted Amanda Holden – part of the ITV show’s judging panel since 2007 – wasn’t his first pick for the role.
The pair are currently joined by Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli for the judging line up for the 18th series, with influencer KSI also making guest appearances.
But back when the telly talent hunt first started airing nearly two decades ago, it was former newspaper editor Piers Morgan who popped up on screen alongside Amanda and Simon.
However, if Simon had had his way, Amanda might not have had the opportunity to make the Saturday night primetime spot her own.
When BGT first aired on the box, the judges included Piers Morgan, Amanda Holden, and Simon Cowell (Credit: YouTube)
BGT boss Simon Cowell nearly didn’t employ Amanda Holden
That’s because, according to reports, then-Girls Aloud star Cheryl was wanted for the judging job.
Simon is reported to have claimed the Fight for This Love singer changed her mind about being part of BGT just days before filming was scheduled to begin.
Simon is quoted as saying he reckons Chezza may have been “freaked out”.
Praising Amanda, Simon said: “She is our Britain’s Got Talent queen and she deserves that crown.”
He then went on to recall how the series could have been very different if the original casting had transpired and Amanda hadn’t been added to the mix.
Cheryl and Simon Cowell later appeared on screen together on The X Factor (Credit: YouTube)
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