Britain’s Got Talent star Declan Donnelly has spoken out about feeling “really bizarre” when the talent show dropped filming during the pandemic.

The 46-year-old, who co-hosts the show with his sidekick Ant McPartlin, said it “felt weird” not to film scenes for the popular ITV show in January last year.

Now back for the new season, Dec revealed the pair missed being in theatres and says being back is “extra special”

“It was really bizarre because it has been an annual event for us,” the star revealed.

“Every January, we'd come back from the New Year and the first thing we'd do was BGT auditions. Just to not have that in the diary felt a bit empty and a bit weird.

“We missed being in the theatres with the audiences, with the acts backstage and with the judges. We just really missed it, but it was impossible to do last year.”

He went on to say that they appreciate the show now more than ever since Covid-19 forced them to shut down production.

“There was just no way we could do it with the pandemic. So it made it extra special being back this year with everybody.

“It takes something like that to make you really, really appreciate it. It was great to be back.”

The presenting duo announced the launch date for the 2022 series of BGT last week.

Narrating a video on Instagram, which featured clips of judges Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon crying, Dec said: “It’s been a very long time since Britain’s Got Talent has been on our screens.”

“Tissue?” Ant offered.

It’s been a very long time since Britain’s Got Talent has been on our screens.

“Thanks,” said Dec as sad music played.

“But what we’re about to tell you…” teased Ant.

“No no no no, it’s very exciting news,” he continued.

“BGT is back on the 16th of April,” Dec declared, as the judges gave the news a standing ovation and the studio audience cheered.

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The talent competition is finally returning after last airing in 2020

A trailer released this week featured a first look at this year’s hopefuls, including shocking moments that leave the judges covering their faces in horror and spectacular musical performances.

In a new show shakeup, the judges are going to be visiting contestants in person to ask them to audition for the ITV show in a special new segment called Judges Golden Moments.

Britain's Got Talent returns this weekend on ITV and ITV Hub

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