Britain’s Got Talent judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli have kicked off the show’s auditions after taking a break following Liam Payne’s death in October

Simon Cowell has returned to the Britain’s Got Talent auditions after they were halted following Liam Payne’s death.

The talent show creator was seen alongside his fellow judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli. Former One Direction singer Liam tragically died at the age of 31 after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October. He had formed part of the boyband, which was created by Simon on the X Factor in 2010.

A week before Liam’s shock death, the judges gathered in Blackpool Winter Gardens to mark the new series getting underway. However, the show confirmed they postponed the auditions following his death. It was also reported Simon was taking a break from his duties on BGT, with judge Bruno Tonioli reportedly replacing him

Simon got back to work following the break from BGT ( 
Image:
Dave Nelson)

He suspended auditions following Liam’s death ( 
Image:
Dave Nelson)
The latest series will also see YouTuber KSI take to the judging panel as he fills in for Bruno in some episodes that have already been filmed. Simon previously shared his heartbreak after the death of Liam, and was seen being comforted by Liam’s parents during the star’s funeral.

After news of Liam’s fall in Argentina broke, Simon wrote: “You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.

Hosts Ant and Dec were also seen in Blackpool ( 
Image:
PA)
“This is so difficult to put into words right now. I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together. I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.”

A major decision has taken place for the current series of the talent show, which has famously filmed the audition stages of the show at the Palladium theatre in London’s West End. However, it will move filming to Blackpool as there is a more electric atmosphere in the seaside town.

Amanda Holden is back on the judging panel ( 
Image:
Dave Nelson)Simon is said to have agreed to the move – while the other judges, including Bruno along with Alesha and Amanda- will have to travel to the town to decide who advances to the live shows. Singer Sydnie Christmas won the most recent season of the series – wowing the judges with a moving performance of Over The Rainbow. After scooping the £250,000 prize – as well as the chance to perform at Britain’s Royal Variety Performance – the singer said: “I am overwhelmed with love and it’s the most amazing thing, and I wish every person in this room feels the way I do with this love. It’s amazing. Thank you so much.”