The Hoff wants a BGT winner with a heart
Britain’s Got Talent judge David Hasselhoff wants someone “with heart” to win the show.
The former Baywatch star revealed there was one act he particularly wanted to see again – autistic dancer James Hobley from Redcar who wowed the judges at an earlier audition in Manchester.
Hasselhoff said: “The kind of act I would like to see win is one that can sustain a career for more than just a few weeks. One who is humble and one that has not just got talent but is also entertaining – a talent with heart and attitude.”
Asked which act he most wanted to see in the live shows, he said: “The 11-year old autistic boy who dances like Billy Elliot.”
But there is still a long way to go before the final and tonight viewers will see Hasselhoff and fellow judges Michael McIntyre and Amanda Holden watching a batch of new auditions.
Among the acts trying to impress are an enthusiastic organist and a stunt cyclist.
19-year-old Joe admits his devotion to cycling can get him into trouble, telling the judges: “Everything I do I have to think about my bike first ... if I go on holiday my girlfriend wants me to go away without my bike, but a week without it is not so easy.”
But he impresses the crowd with his stunt routine and McIntyre tells him: “Joe, that was sensational, it was almost like you and the bike were one ... it was very, very, very exciting ... you had the audience on your feet, which you deserved to have.”
He is followed by husband-and-wife team John and Josie who perform a version of Grenade by Bruno Mars and organist Jean Martyn who conquers her backstage nerves to put in a lively performance.
Hasselhoff tells her: “Jean, you rock, I think the Queen would love you, I can’t stop smiling.”
With the auditions over the judges ask some of this year’s performers to get back on stage to help them decide who will go through.
The acts are brought to London, where some are asked to perform again for a chance in the live shows. There they will face Simon Cowell, who is looking forward to casting a critical eye over them.
He said: “I actually want to get back in my seat now, I’ve seen enough...let’s hope they’ve found a winner.”
:: Britain’s Got Talent is on ITV1 at 7.30pm on Sunday.
