Life according to… Amanda Holden on unicyclists, scientists, surprises and the return of Mr Nasty

Britain’s Got Talent celebrates its 14th series this year, how would you describe the auditions this season?

I think we all agreed that it felt more like they were bedroom performers, and by that we mean people rehearsing in the privacy of their own home.

It felt more old-school BGT. So we felt like we were the audience that these people were facing for the very first time. That always feels much better to us.

We welcome all talent, obviously, but we prefer unpolished talent that we can help and nurture.

So, if it’s feeling more old-school BGT, how would you rate the standard of the talent on stage?

We have a perfect mix. We’ve got the eccentric acts, the bedroom performers, and the people who have honed their act for years and years on it but never quite made it.

Everyone deserves the chance, whether they’re brilliant or unpolished, because even the brilliant people might just need a bit of BGT sparkle to push them to the next level.

You’ve been a judge on every series so you must have seen everything possible?

That’s what I always think and then someone surprises me!

There’s been a few random acts this year, like we had this incredible unicyclist and then a scientist who set fire to a load of balls as part of a live experiment. It’s so random!

You just never know what’s going to walk out on stage and that’s what everyone loves, the element of surprise.

Have you got your eye on any particular act?

Obviously my golden buzzer act should win, but to keep it fair I think I would love a choir to do well this year too.

We’ve had a strong bout of them this year and the standard is very high. We’ve put a lot of choirs through to the semifinals and I just think the money would make a difference to more than one person.

I think a choir would be a really good ambassador for Britain’s Got Talent, so that’s what I’m kind of rooting for.

Why do you think it’s important to have a show like Britain’s Got Talent on TV?

It’s a family show, it’s warm, fun, and we celebrate Britain like no other show on TV right now.

BGT is where we showcase our nation at its best. I don’t think you can top it.

Simon is very different from the last series of BGT. Did you notice his weight loss?

Yeah, I noticed immediately that he had lost weight.

I said straight away: “Right, what have been doing, because you look amazing!” He said which foods he’d been cutting out and how it had made such a difference.

And I’m hoping that means he gets back to being more evil, because I think he’s gone a bit soft.

Now he’s back to his slimmer self, I think he’s going to go back to being Mr Nasty!

Amanda judges alongside Simon Cowell, David Walliams and Alesha Dixon on BGT, ITV, Saturday, 8pm.