'Britain's Got Talent' bosses have increased security following a spike in acid attacks.

Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell

The popular ITV talent show is currently filming auditions before it returns to the small screen later this year, but after a number of incidents around London recently, producers have been forced to pull in some extra security guards in order to protect the judges and crew.

A spokesperson told the Metro.co.uk: "We take the safety around the show, judges, presenters, contestants and audiences very seriously and whilst we wouldn't discuss details of our security measures, we continually review security procedures to ensure they meet our needs."

The air date for 'Britain's Got Talent' has not been revealed yet but the show will see the return of regular judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and David Walliams.

And, although the show is still at the audition stages, it's already been plagued with drama as Ant and Dec - who have reprised their roles as hosts - were forced to step in and put out a fire recently after a blaze broke out when a hopeful contestant's stunt went drastically wrong.

According to the Daily Mirror newspaper, a Greek man called Bambas took to the stage at the London Palladium with a plate-smashing routine.

After balancing a glass of flames on his head, it dropped and caused a fire to start but luckily Ant and Dec were on hand to water down the flames.

A source told the newspaper: "We are used to all sorts happening on the show, but this really was the most crazy audition we have ever seen."

And Stephen Mulhern - who has been fronting the ITV2 spin-off show 'Britain's Got More Talent' since 2007 - had a rocky start to this season as he was unable to attend the first auditions due to an illness.

Taking to Twitter, Stephen wrote: "Morning! Absolutely gutted to be missing the first round of @BGT auditions this week in Blackpool!

"I am on doctor's strict orders to rest my voice, after suffering a nasty bout of Laryngitis - first day off from the show in 11 years.

"Unbelievable! I will be on mute until London auditions on the 27th Jan, look forward to seeing you all then! (sic)"