David Walliams says 'Britain's Got Talent' is a "real life" version of his hit show Little Britain.
The 42-year-old comedian often watched the ITV talent competition with his comedy partner Matt Lucas before becoming a judge, to help inspire characters for their sketch show.
Speaking on the red carpet at the launch of the new series yesterday, he explained: "We always used to watch it when we were doing 'Little Britain' to think, 'All these crazy people, who can we adapt as a character?' That's why I was obsessed with the show.
"Simon [Cowell] said to me years ago, when I'd just met him socially, before he asked me to do the show, he said, 'It's like the real life version of your show.' And it really is. That's why I love it. It's not like any other talent show because you've got no idea what's coming next."
David also reveals he thinks the show is at its best when the contestants are "eccentric".
He said: "We had an owl act on our show. Unfortunately, the owl didn't do anything. The man has about 30 owls and I go, 'Are you married?' He said, 'I don't need to, I've got owls!' So you start to wonder what happens with all the owls. I love it because of all the eccentrics!"
'Britain's Got Talent' returns on Saturday April 12 at 7.15pm on ITV.
Tagged in David Walliams Matt Lucas Simon Cowell