David Walliams: "It’s about challenging what Simon says"
If there’s one Judge we can rely on to bring some outlandish acts to the audience’s attention, it’s David Walliams.
David told us he will continue to champion the most original characters this year and more importantly, plans to keep one Judge in particular on his toes! We got the scoop.
How does it feel to be back on the Britain’s Got Talent judging panel for another year?
There have been mixed feelings.It’s been tough this year because the dynamic has changed with Simon; a wedge has come between us in the shape of a baby. I feel he should have impregnated me!
It’s been fun, as Judges we are like a family, albeit a dysfunctional one. We always look forward to seeing each other and spending time together but you do forget what a strange experience it is making the show. There’s absolutely no preparation and we have no idea about any of the acts before they come out, so it’s not like any other job I’ve ever had.
There’s a responsibility too,because you do want to deliver a really great semi-finalist, and ultimately a winner, to the public who will do really well here and maybe even around the world.
There’s a responsibility to the acts as well, because I’ve auditioned for things before and I understand how much it means to people. This show especially because anyone can come on doing anything, there are so many different people from so many walks of life, who have never performed before.
What are you looking for in your BGT winner this year?
Originality and imagination. It’s important to have talent but it’s vital to put an act together in a way we haven’t seen before. For example Attraction, Diversity… not only were they were amazing dancers but they put it together in a way which was mind-blowing.
Having imagination is really important and that’s what a lot of people fall down on. We see so many dance groups that are hugely talented but there’s just nothing to make them memorable, no story or theme, there’s nothing about the way they present themselves. People tend to copy what they’ve seen on the show before and that won’t really get them anywhere.
Are you still championing the more ‘out-there’ acts in the competition this year?
I think so. Certainly the guy who I pushed my Golden Buzzer for. Before I joined the show the reason that I loved it as a viewer was I loved all the eccentric characters, so I love to champion those acts, because if it’s all too straight and there are too many singers it might as well be The X Factor.
I love the idea that you can come on this show and do anything, and for me the weirder the better.
What are you going to do to make sure this year’s series is bigger and better than ever before?
I just have to keep the pressure on Simon, because I’m the thorn in his side and I know the audience like to see him bought down a peg or two. It’s about challenging what he says because he’s quite down on a lot of acts, so sometimes me and the girls have to fight to save them.
What is your favourite thing about Simon?
His honesty, I think that’s why the public love him and that’s why he’s the world’s favourite talent show Judge.He’s always honest and he doesn’t seem too scared about hurting people’s feelings which I know seems harsh but you have got to be honest because a lot of people come on and say, ‘it’s my dream to be the next Elton John’, but if they don’t have the talent you have to be honest with them, otherwise the show has no integrity.
He’s always good at being very honest and spotting what is wrong with something, and he is very rarely wrong.He’s created more stars than anyone else I can think of in the modern age. He’s got a great sense of the public’s taste.
He’s the ringmaster, he’s not a shadowy figure behind the scenes, he is always involved and he is confident in his own opinions. We [fellow Judges] certainly miss him when he’s not here,because we are often more hesitant to be blunt with people.
If you had to play snog, marry, avoid with your fellow Judges who would you do what to?
I would snog Simon, marry Simon and then avoid Simon and take half his money.
What has been your favourite audition city and why?
I always like going to Manchester. It’s one of my favourite cities, so many bands and comedians who I love are from Manchester, or thereabouts – The Smiths, New Order, Peter Kay is from Bolton. I think they’ve got a great spirit in Manchester. And of course it’s where I met The Showbears which are always happy memories, so I always get back together with them when I go to Manchester.
Without giving too much away, what have been some of the best acts during this year’s auditions?
I really enjoyed having theGolden Buzzer because it’s allowed us to champion people who we feel passionate about a bit more. This panel does have a special chemistry in the way we talk to each other, judging panels can be boring, but we’re very good at arguing with each other and we’re not scared of taking each other on.
What do you think of your fellow Judges’ Golden Buzzer choices?
I think they’ve made quite conservative choices because they’ve picked people who they know are going todo well. I always like to champion the underdog so the person I chose was someone who the other three Judges all actually buzzed. I loved him and I think the public are going to love him too, but I wouldn’t put money on him winning.
What are your favourite memories from last year’s show?
I really loved Jack Carroll. I thought he was incredibly special and I’m sure he will have a huge career. He was genuinely witty and off the cuff so you could tell that he is a really funny guy. He’s got a brilliant comic voice, very unique, very true to him. I remember being 14 and wanting to be a comedian and not being one percent as good as he was. I think one day he will take over the comedy world.