Ten years ago a frumpy, middle-aged woman called Susan Boyle stomped on to the set of Britain's Got Talent and, to the astonishment of everyone watching, sang I Dreamed A Dream.
We were captivated. A star was born before our eyes. Her album became the best-selling debut in UK chart history.
We've also had the dentally challenged Paul Potts's rendition of Nessun Dorma, another BGT triumph. His rags to riches story went on to inspire the Hollywood movie One Chance.
One of BGT's top offerings this year has made a career out of making farting noises with his hands to well-known tunes.
In Britain's Got Talent, Amanda Holden is revealing even more of her embonpoint than before, baring her chest to her navel
Britain's Got Flatulence. A new low. But then the show has become debased on so many levels.
In the latest series, judge Amanda Holden is revealing even more of her embonpoint than before, baring her chest to her navel.
Is she telling impressionable young viewers the only way to get on is to get your kit off?
The mother-of-two gave an interview this week in which included details of the 't*t tape' and 'nipple covers' she wears during the shows.
All to protect her modesty you understand — it is a family programme, after all.
Evidently her two kids throw these accessories around the kitchen when she comes home. What fun. Why hasn't Simon Cowell made a show about that?
The mother-of-two gave an interview this week in which included details of the 't*t tape' and 'nipple covers' she wears during the shows
'There have been plenty of complaints,' Amanda admits of her skimpy outfits and age-defying breasts, 'but none from home, let me tell you, my hubby doesn't complain about my boobs.'
The breast-enhancement surgeons who peddle pert bosoms to mums approaching 50 won't be complaining, either — though I am not suggesting that Amanda's treasures are anything but God-given.
Ofcom is investigating the hundreds of complaints, but will BGT stoop any lower to drum up viewing figures? Well, I'm afraid that's a 'yes' from me!
Head judge and creator of BGT, Simon Cowell, has been invading the privacy of his own son Eric, just five, saying he shouldn't have to do homework and should leave school at ten.
'Ofcom is investigating the hundreds of complaints, but will BGT stoop any lower to drum up viewing figures? Well, I'm afraid that's a 'yes' from me', writes Amanda Platell
'A happy, healthy kid is more important than an over-educated, stressed kid,' Cowell insists, coming over all Supernanny.
What's so tragic is that BGT has always been a lovely concept. It was perfect family viewing back in the days of Subo — up there with The Generation Game — and we'd all sit round rooting for our favourites.
Today, it's reduced to bottom jokes, bosoms and cod parenting lessons from Simon Cowell. Surely Britain's got more talent than this.
Attending the opening ceremony of the cricket World Cup, the Queen was welcomed by the former Love Island celebrity and cricketer Chris Hughes, then had to watch a batting display by Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai and the bad boy of Australian tennis Pat Cash.
'An interesting collection,' her Majesty was heard to comment enigmatically, after apologising for the wet weather — which at least meant the planned concert from C-list celebrity Alesha Dixon was cancelled.
Only Her Maj could so deftly manage such a sticky wicket.
Many Princess Diana fans, myself included, were always mystified as to why Prince Charles carried such a torch for Camilla.
Perhaps the answer comes from the U.S. Ambassador Robert 'Woody' Johnson.
'The Duchess of Cornwall was a recent guest at a charity dinner and made a great impression. She's a riot, she's the real deal.'
So Camilla triumphed over angst-ridden Diana because she made Charles laugh.
The Duchess of Cornwall was a recent guest at a charity dinner and made
