Simon Cowell has defended his decision to move the live shows for Britain’s Got Talent to Hammersmith Apollo.
Originally the live shows were filmed in a studio, however, Simon has said the theatre complex provides something unique.
The 58-year-old talent scout even went as far as to say it is essential that the filming is carried out in a theatre.
“It has to be in a theatre,” he said. “We go into a studio and make it look like a theatre.
“It’s like buying a Mini and trying to make it look like a Rolls Royce!
“There’s something about the theatre element.”
He added: “So whenever we do the live shows in a studio, something, that gloss, glow, whatever you want to call it, is missing for me.
“So I’m thrilled because this year I have got my own way…again.”
This year, Simon is determined to emulate the success of former contestant Susan Boyle, who wowed judges in 2009 with her rendition of I Dreamed a Dream.
“I’ve got a very good feeling that when these audition shows air, quite a lot of things are going to happen quite quickly.
“Like with Susan Boyle and how her clip was shared around the world and stuff like that.”
In January David Walliams was presented with the Best Judge trophy at the National TV Awards, his second award of that kind.
However, Simon doesn’t believe his Britain’s Got Talent co-star won it far and square, with him suggesting David campaigns for the accolade throughout the year.
“This may sound like sour grapes, but I’m going to say it… he canvasses all year long!
“I found him once sending out tweets begging and pleading, I’ve never done that before, maybe I should.
He continued: “He’s not the most popular judge, he just isn’t.”
While David succeeds in the popularity contest Amanda Holden is often slammed for her outfit choices on the family friendly show.
Defending Amanda, Simon said: “If I’m being honest I couldn’t see what all the fuss was about!”
Praising the actress, he added: “The good thing about Amanda when she does the live shows is she’s always thinking about the contestants and not herself!”
Britain’s Got Talent airs on Saturday 14th April, 8pm on ITV.
