Kelly Brook axed from Britain's Got Talent

Matt Dickinson,Press Association
Tuesday 20 January 2009 08:32 GMT
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Kelly Brook has been axed as a judge on Britain's Got Talent after barely a week on the panel, it emerged today.

The model and presenter, 29, was unveiled as a judge only last Tuesday alongside Simon Cowell, Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden, and was soon attending auditions in Manchester.

But after reviewing tapes over the weekend, show producers decided the new format was too "complicated" with four people on the panel, and Brook paid the price.

Cowell said in a statement: "I have genuinely enjoyed working with Kelly, she is absolutely lovely and a complete professional.

"But its become clear the format doesn't support another judge and we will never add a fourth judge to the panel."

A spokesman for production company Talkbackthames added: "The format of the show is cleaner and less complicated with just three judges, which was not fully appreciated ahead of filming.

"Producers reviewed the tapes over the weekend and although Kelly brings a huge amount of warmth to the show and we've loved having her on board, the complications it adds to the filming process and format of the show means that unfortunately, and with huge regret, we have agreed with ITV not to proceed with a fourth judge."

Brook - who is dating England Rugby star Danny Cipriani - has been left "stunned" by the decision, according to the Daily Mirror.

After being signed up with a reported £200,000 contract, she said last week: "I have been a huge fan of the show since its first series, with my dance background I cannot wait to see the dancers."

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Cowell added the signing was "fantastic news", but it led to forecasts of tension between Brook and Holden, who at 37 is nearly 10 years older than the former Big Breakfast host.

The winner of Britain's Got Talent pockets £100,000 and the chance to perform for The Queen at this year's Royal Variety Performance.

The third series of the show is being screened in the spring.

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