Graham Norton ‘turns down the chance to judge Britain’s Got Talent’

Graham Norton is said to have “turned down a chance to join Britain’s Got Talent as a judge”, according to a new report on Saturday.

The chat show host, 59, was reportedly in talks to star alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon on the popular ITV show after judge David Walliams quit.

According to The Sun, producers thought Graham would be a “great addition” but the “project just wasn’t right” for him.

Nothing for him: Graham Norton, 59, is said to have ‘turned down a chance to join Britain’s Got Talent as a judge’, according to a new report on Saturday.

A source told the publication: “Bosses had their hearts set on Graham. He’s so popular with viewers and would make a great addition.

“Money wasn’t the issue, but after some thought, Graham realized this wasn’t a project he wanted to take on right now.

It comes after Britain’s Got Talent will reportedly travel to a new location for the first time in three years in the upcoming series to hold auditions to ‘unlock’ a new pool of talent.

Oh no: The chat show host was reportedly in talks to star alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon on the popular ITV show after David Walliams (pictured) left the show

In a shake up from the regular format, it has been claimed that Simon, Amanda and Alesha will be heading to the north of England after filming the final two series at the London Palladium.

They will also reportedly be joined by a new judge to replace 51-year-old David after he allegedly left the show following his leaked derogatory comments against the contestants.

Programmers are said to be hoping to see new acts who previously couldn’t afford to travel south for auditions, and claims viewers are also fed up with “recycled” cast members from the Got Talent franchise.

For the first time ever, the public can also suggest names of people they feel are worthy and have what it takes to impress the judges and viewers at home.

No deal: “Money wasn’t the issue, but after some thought, Graham realized it wasn’t a project he wanted to take on right now,” a source said

A source told The Sun: “Having the opportunity to audition in Manchester effectively opens up the North too – some acts couldn’t afford the trip for a full troupe or choir, for example. It’s all gearing up for a really great new series, now all the pandemic restrictions have been lifted too.

Panelist David is said to have left the ITV show ahead of the 2023 series, weeks after he was forced to apologize for calling an older contestant a “C***” and making vile sexual remarks about a woman taking part.

The comments, made during the London Palladium auditions in January 2020, were recorded by the program’s microphones and released last month.

They left both production company Thames and broadcaster ITV unsure if he would return for the 2023 series.

Shock: David is said to have left the ITV show ahead of the 2023 series, weeks after he was forced to apologize for calling an older contestant a ‘c***’ (pictured on the show in 2020)

Source: | Dailymail.co.uk