Alesha Dixon Joins Britain's Got Talent Judging Panel

She will star alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden & David Walliams...

The judging panel for the new series of Britain's Got Talent has been announced - with Alesha Dixon being added to the line-up after quitting Strictly Come Dancing.

After announcing she had decided to leave her role as a judge on the hit BBC1 show, Dixon will now appear alongside BGT old-timer Amanda Holden, returning panelist Simon Cowell and newcomer, David Walliams.

Speaking of her new job, the former Misteeq star revealed: "I am delighted to be joining the judging panel of Britain’s Got Talent for 2012, it's a fantastic show and I am very excited to be working with Simon, David and Amanda on the search for a new star."

Cowell added: "I love Alesha. She is feisty, opinionated and knows what it's like to be both a competitor and judge on a hugely popular TV show.

"This is going to be a brand new experience for her and I think she is going to bring a lot to the table. I'm really looking forward to working with her and hope we get the opportunity to find a star together"

As for Little Britain funnyman David, SiCo claimed: "I'm absolutely delighted David is joining the panel. He thinks he can do a better job than the people there before so it's going to be fun. I think he's terrified!”

Walliams then joked: "I am so thrilled to be the new Cheryl Cole.”

Holden said: "I'm really excited to be back on Britain's Got Talent, it's so much fun and I can't wait to see what talent the UK has on offer this year! Having Simon back will be great - I've missed my work husband being on the panel and keeping him in check every now and again.”

It seems Amanda isn't the only one happy with Simon's return to BGT, with the music mogul himself stating: "I miss Britain and I miss the British public and I miss judging them. I want to find the next generation of talent in 2012. Different and new acts, younger and better talent.

"You want someone who can be a star all over the world and by coming back in 2012, it's the year of the Olympics, it's a big year for Britain, we are going to be in the world's spotlight and I want this show to be back in the world spotlight.

He added: "This year I really felt that I've got to put my money where my mouth is, so I'm personally putting up £250,000, so that's £500,000 cash to the winner, so that's a big incentive.”

Britain's Got Talent is due to hit our TV screens for its sixth series in Spring 2012…we can't wait!

WATCH BGT JUDGE SIMON COWELL'S OFFICIAL TOP 50 HERE!

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