Auditions for the ITV talent show had only been held at the London Palladium because of COVID-19 but the early stages of the competition will now also be held at The Lowry in Salford the upcoming 16th outing of the show will also give viewers the chance to nominate an act for inclusion in try-out process.
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A TV source told The Sun newspaper: "Nominate an act’ has essentially unearthed a whole new pool of talent. Viewers had become critical of the amount of ‘recycled’ acts that had appeared on other 'Got Talents' or were already on the pro circuit, but the new process has already sourced some good undiscovered talent.
"Being able to audition in Manchester also effectively unlocks the North — some acts just couldn’t afford the travel for a whole troop or choir, for example. It’s all gearing up for a really great new series, now all the pandemic restrictions have lifted too."
The news comes shortly after it was announced that long-serving judge David Walliams - who has helped fellow judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and Simon Cowell find a new act for the annual Royal Variety performance for a decade - intends to step down from the panel.
An insider said: "David has decided to bow out after a ten-year run. He wants to leave on a high after a wonderful time. Being on the show has been a huge source of entertainment and joy fo him and he is arguably the most popular member of the panel. He hasn’t taken the decision lightly, but it feels like time to move on and focus on his other projects."
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