Michael McIntyre is new Britain's Got Talent judge
ITV has confirmed that Michael McIntyre will join Britain's Got Talent as one of the judges for the next series.
The stand-up comedian has been signed up to appear as one of the three judges on the next run of the talent show, which last series was watched by over 12 million people.
McIntyre will appear alongside David Hasselhoff and Amanda Holden in the new-look judging line-up for the auditions. Simon Cowell will not be present for the auditions, but will appear in the live stages as a fourth judge. Piers Morgan is departing the show as he is taking over Larry King's prime-time daily chat show in America.
The comedian says: "I'm a massive fan of Britain's Got Talent and am extremely excited to be a judge on the new series. I was so thrilled when Simon Cowell asked me that I immediately wanted to run in to Ant and Dec's arms to celebrate!"
Elaine Bedell, ITV Director of Entertainment and Comedy, said: "Michael has established himself as one of the biggest names in comedy and entertainment in this country and, as someone who made his big breakthrough on the Royal Variety Performance, he knows exactly the pressures facing the acts on Britain's Got Talent."
This latest appointment helps cement Michael McIntyre as Britain's most watched comedian. He is also set to appear on TV this Thursday presenting The Royal Variety Performance 2010.
The auditions for the new series of Britain's Got Talent will be recorded in Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, London and Manchester from January. For tickets see www.applausestore.com