Cheering fans greet BGT judges at 10th anniversary auditions

Star-maker Simon Cowell and his Britain's Got Talent judges swept into Liverpool today as auditions for the 10th anniversary series began.

Cowell, wearing his trademark dark glasses despite the rain and gloom, was met with cheering from fans who had waited hours for his arrival at St George's Hall in the city centre.

Alesha Dixon, wearing a thigh-skimming tangerine skirt and Amanda Holden in a demure white dress, strutted along the red carpet, with comedian David Walliams, all three stopping to chat to fans who had braved the wintry weather.

Hundreds of hopefuls had already packed the city's Empire Theatre awaiting the judges, including a troupe of scantily clad burlesque pole dancers called Brass Monkey from Liverpool.

This year will mark the 10th year of the show, hosted by Ant and Dec, as more ordinary members of the public make a bid for stardom.

Auditions take place today and tomorrow in Liverpool before heading to London from January 21 to 24 and then Birmingham next month.

The show will be broadcast later this year.