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Viewers of Britain's Got Talent have expressed the same sentiment as Stacey Solomon substituted for a judge this week. This year's auditions progressed in Birmingham on Saturday (March 21), with a fresh face joining the panel. Television favourite Stacey featured on the series, filling in for head judge Simon Cowell.

The 36-year-old personality, who gained prominence on The X Factor back in 2009, temporarily took over from Simon after he became unwell during filming last October. Stacey joined KSI, Alesha Dixon and temporary head judge Amanda Holden as more hopefuls displayed their abilities in an attempt to secure £250,000 and a prized spot at the Royal Variety Performance.

Shortly into tonight's episode, ITV audiences shared their reactions to Stacey's eleventh-hour appearance, with numerous individuals voicing their enthusiasm on X (formerly Twitter). "Big reception from the crowd for Stacey Solomon as she deputises for Simon," one individual wrote, reports Belfast Live.

Another contributed: "Go on Stacey!" whilst a third stated: "Welcome to the #BGT judging Panel Stacey Solomon."

A fourth supporter echoed the view, commenting: "Stacey Solomon joining the judging panel of #BritainsGotTalent!" alongside star emojis, with another likewise posting: "I'm loving Stacey as judge - she's really settling in well."

During the episode, the judges were introduced to 12-year-old James from Rye, East Sussex, who delivered a stunning rendition of Wicked's Defying Gravity. Following the astonishing performance, Alesha remarked: "That was how you do it! Everybody loves that big moment at the end, I can't tell you how many times my children have tried to attempt that last moment in the song. It is the magic moment, and you smashed it!"

Stacey chimed in: "You think your kids are talented and then you're like, 'No, maybe mine aren't so talented,' when you see people like you, James. Your parents must be buzzing." She continued: "That was absolutely phenomenal," before Alesha labelled James "a star in the making".

Elsewhere on tonight's show, the judges were impressed by a magician, a skating act and a troupe of salsa dancers.

Discussing her BGT experience on ITV's This Morning earlier this week (Wednesday, March 18), Stacey informed hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard: "I loved it!"

She added: "Do you know what's really funny [about] having that full circle moment? One, I felt like I really connected with people on stage, because it's not easy to put yourself forward in those situations."

Referring to her popular BBC programme, Sort Your Life Out, Stacey continued: "But two, I realised just what it's like to present a show where you're not digging through people's houses and you get to dress up, wear a nice dress and sit in a chair all day. I was like, 'Wow, this is a great show!'"

Britain's Got Talent airs on ITV1 and ITVX