The first episode of the new series of Britain’s Got Talent kicked off on Saturday night, with ten acts hoping to impress the judges.
However, before things got underway, hosts Ant and Dec interrupted the proceedings to give an important message in regards to the coronavirus pandemic.
At the start of the show, a video popped up of the presenting duo, both 44, sitting in their living room separately, with the pair going on to insist the ITV was filmed before the current social distancing restrictions.
Message: Before the new series of Britain’s Got Talent got underway on Saturday, Ant and Dec interrupted the proceedings to give an important message in regards to the coronavirus pandemic
Last month, the government issued guidelines to the UK to observe a distance of two metres from people outside their household in a bid to stem the spread of COVID-19.
And the Geordie duo were quick to point out that the audition shows, which saw audience members and the judges sitting closely together, was filmed earlier this year.
After they greeted fans and wished them well, Ant said to the camera: ‘Now before we get going with our first audition of 2020, we just wanted to assure you that everything you’re about to see was filmed back in January and February.’
Chat: At the start of the show, a video popped up of the presenting duo, both 44, sitting in their living room separately, with the pair going on to insist the ITV was filmed before the current social distancing restrictions
With Dec then adding: ‘Yes, so from everyone at BGT and our sponsor M&S Food, we hope tonight’s show puts a smile on your face.
‘So enjoy and let’s bring on the talent!’
Their message comes after ITV previously issued a statement informing fans of the situation amid the social distancing rules currently in place.
Filming: The Geordie duo were quick to point out that the audition shows, which saw audience members and the judges sitting closely together, was filmed earlier this year
Assurance: Now before we get going with our first audition of 2020, we just wanted to assure you that everything you’re about to see was filmed back in January and February’
It read: ‘Everything on tonight’s show and from BGT’s sponsor, M&S Food, was filmed and created earlier in the year – before the ongoing health crisis began and we can only hope the show will bring a little bit of light relief for viewers at this distressing time.
‘As we’re sure you are aware, however, the live shows have been postponed and, we hope, will now take place later in the year.’
Meanwhile on Saturday’s show, choir Sign Along With Us left Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon in tears with their heart-rending rendition of This Is Me from The Greatest Dancer.
Enjoy! With Dec then adding: ‘Yes, so from everyone at BGT and our sponsor M&S Food, we hope tonight’s show puts a smile on your face’
And their audition thrilled the judges so much that David Walliams pressed his golden buzzer for the act, the very first one of the series.
Elsewhere, father and son magician act James and Dylan Piper left Simon Cowell stunned with an incredible routine inspired by Simon’s son Eric.
However, while all the other acts made it through to the next round, the same couldn’t be said for super villain, Mr Cuddles, who’s ‘time machine’ fell flat with the judges and the audience.
Britain’s Got Talent continues Saturday at 8pm on ITV.
Wow: Choir Sign Along With Us that came out on top as they left Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon in tears with their heart-rending rendition of This Is Me from The Greatest Dancer
Emotional: Sing Along With Us left Amanda and Alesha in floods of tears with their moving and inspiring audition on Saturday night
Stunned: Meanwhile on the show, father and son magician act James and Dylan Piper left Simon Cowell stunned with an incredible routine inspired by Simon’s son Eric