The Seven Network has announced superstar comedian and best-selling author David Walliams will join the star-studded judging panel of the all-new Australia’s Got Talent, making a long-awaited return to Channel 7 and 7plus in 2022.
Walliams replaces Neil Patrick Harris in the AGT judging lineup after production on the series was cancelled last year.
The award-winning Britain’s Got Talent judge joins previously announced stars Alesha Dixon, Kate Ritchie and Shane Jacobson on the judging panel for the new season which, in a world-first twist, sees Aussie acts take on some of the globe’s best Got Talent acts to be crowned AGT Champion.
David Walliams, who describes his judging style as “Maverick, like Tom Cruise in Top Gun,” has high expectations of the Aussie contenders, saying: “All the Australians I’ve met have been very outgoing, so I don’t expect them to be as shy as British people are sometimes.
“People have had much more time than usual to work on their acts, so I’m expecting the standard to be really high. If it’s anything like BGT, there will be great excitement when people first step out on the stage, as many people haven’t done that for a very long time.”
On the hit format’s enduring appeal, Walliams said: “I think people have always liked shows they can watch together, however in recent years, people have watched different things on different devices. A show like Got Talent brings the whole family together and you want to watch it as it happens.
“Every year it’s something different, because absolutely anybody can audition for the show. You don’t even have to be human to win. The show is always full of surprises, you never know what you’re going to see.”
Rounding out the all-star AGT line-up is multi-platinum selling artist Ricki-Lee, who returns as host, ready to cheer on and console the acts brave enough to take the stage.
After two years perfecting their acts, the Aussie hopefuls will be the best the nation has ever seen. Expect more awe-inspiring, show-stopping, eye-popping performers than ever before as they go head-to-head with the most memorable Got Talent acts from around the world.
These acts will be going all out to impress the judges and secure their place in the AGT Grand Final where Australia will decide who is worthy of the $100,000 grand prize.
Seven’s chief content officer, entertainment programming, Angus Ross, said: “This is AGT on a scale like never before – to be the best, you have to beat the best – I’m sure Australia will agree it’s been worth the wait. We’re thrilled to welcome David to the world-class judging panel, and can’t wait for AGT to deliver all the spectacular, surprising and must-see moments families across the nation absolutely love.”
AGT is produced by Fremantle for the Seven Network and will premiere on Channel 7 and 7plus later this year.