David Walliams begged to return to BGT after new judge Bruno Tonioli breaks rule on first appearance

Britain’s Got Talent viewers called for David Walliams to return to the show after new judge Bruno Tonioli made two mistakes in his first episode of the series.

The former Strictly Come Dancing judge has joined long-running BGT judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon for the 16th season of the show.

David left the show last year after he was recorded calling an elderly contestant a 'c***' while also making sexist remarks about a woman taking part.

Bruno was announced as his replacement back in January, with the Italian saying at the time: “I am so excited. It's my first show, I have no idea what's going to happen, but I'm sure it's going to be brilliant."

However, his first episode didn’t go smoothly with the 67-year-old managing to make TWO mistakes, prompting Amanda to declare: “He’s never watched the show.”

ITV

First off, when nasal recorder performer Mikko Rautiainen had finished his audition and was standing awaiting his feedback from the judges, Bruno said: “It’s a ‘no’ from me,” and gave his red buzzer a hefty whack.

However, as fans will know - the red buzzer is only used during a contestant’s performance, not after, as we saw here.

Pointing out his mistake, Simon said: "You don't have to do that as well.”

While Ant added: "Explain the rules, will you?"

Bruno then apologised for his mistake, with Simon asking: "Have you ever watched this show?" and Amanda chipping in: "He's never watched the show."

Later on in the episode, dance group Ghetto Kids were performing and got a big thumbs up from Bruno. So much so that he couldn’t resist whacking the golden buzzer.

ITV

However, Bruno used it mid-performance meaning the dance troupe had to continue their audition with gold confetti pouring down on them.

"Normally, the golden buzzer is pressed afterwards. You performed with the confetti, it was magical," Simon said after the act had finished.

"Normally, we talk and they wait for the reaction and you press that," he then explained to Bruno.

And some viewers were left unimpressed by Bruno’s addition to the show and took to social media to call for the return of David.

"Bring back David, not the same without him," one person on Twitter wrote.

A second added: "Already missing the banter between David Walliams and Simon Cowell."

Meanwhile, a third remarked: "Only 30 seconds into #BGT and here’s my first bring back David Walliams appreciation tweet"

Topics: TV And Film, Britains Got Talent

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at Tyla who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats.