Simon Cowell ‘to face Amazon in ratings war as the streaming giant hires Britain’s Got Talent and X Factor stars as judges for new talent show’
His Got Talent franchise has become a staple on TV screens across the globe.
But now Simon Cowell faces ‘stiff competition’ in the form of Amazon, as the streaming conglomerate has reportedly employed Britain’s Got Talent stars for their new show.
BGT winners Richard Jones and George Sampson, in addition to X Factor queen Sam Bailey, are all expected to feature as judges on the programme, Now That’s Entertainment, according to The Mirror on Thursday.
Rival: Simon Cowell now faces ‘stiff competition’ in the form of Amazon, as the streaming conglomerate has reportedly hired Britain’s Got Talent stars for their new show
A source told the publication: ‘Amazon and the producers are hellbent on making this show a huge hit. BGT is a ratings giant so it’s little wonder they have raided their former stable for stars to be judges.’
The programme has already aired on Amazon Prime, and production reportedly hope to gain more viewers with their new celebrity judges.
They continued: ‘It was received so well they decided to up the ante and just go for it with some well-known talent and really push the boat out.
‘Cowell will be nervously looking over his shoulder to see if they can make it a success but all the signs are there it can be.’
Wow: BGT’s Richard Jones and George Sampson, plus X Factor’s Sam Bailey (pictured) are expected to star as judges on the show, Now That’s Entertainment, according to The Mirror on Thursday
The competition show is hosted by Craig Stevens and they are expected to announce more famous cast members in 2021.
Richard, 31, and George, 27, made an appearance on Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions in 2019.
Magician Richard was crowned the winner of BGT in 2016, after stunning the judges, live audience and those watching at home with a series of sensational magic tricks.
Meanwhile George won fans over with his innovative dance routines on the 2008 series of the show, at the tender age of 11.
Yikes: A source told the publication: ‘Amazon and the producers are hellbent on making this show a huge hit. BGT is a ratings giant so it’s little wonder they have raided their former stable for stars to be judges’
Singer Sam, 43, won X Factor in 2013 when she took centre stage and delivered a moving performance of Demi Lovato’s song, Skyscraper.
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Britain’s Got Talent, Simon Cowell and Amazon for comment.
Filming for the new series of Britain’s Got Talent has reportedly been delayed for weeks because of Covid-19 rule changes.
According to The Sun, the auditions were due to be filmed next month with Simon , 61, returning after breaking his back, but they will now not go ahead.
Where it all began: George, 27, won fans over with his innovative dance routines on the 2008 series of the show, at the tender age of 11
A source said that acts were due to perform at the London Coliseum between January 17 and 20 but will now have to wait at least another two weeks.
They added: ‘Covid’s causing havoc with BGT filming. The producers want to keep viewers entertained and put a smile on people’s faces but the safety of the cast, crew and contestants is the priority.
‘It is at the centre of every decision. A live audience and their reaction is a vital part of the show’s success, too, so producers want to keep that element and, if it all means delays, then so be it.’
Star: Meanwhile magician Richard, 31, was crowned the winner of BGT in 2016, after stunning the judges, live audience and those watching at home with a series of sensational magic tricks
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