O'Grady would love to judge on talent show

Paul O'Grady wants to judge 'Britain's Got Talent'.

The 55-year-old presenter - who was a panellist on the show's pilot episode in 2005 alongside current judges Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan, as well as Fern Britton - admits he would be delighted to join the programme full time.

He said: "I'd love to do the show now. I've always got on really well with Simon Cowell and his mum Julie, who used to be a dancer."

The Liverpudlian host thinks he would be "tough" on contestants but would hate to upset anyone unnecessarily.

He added: "I'd be a tough judge, but not cruel. I'd say, 'Polish up your act or go get a job in a shop.' "

Earlier this month, Simon hinted he would not be returning to either ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ or ‘X Factor’ as he is busy with his US TV commitments.

He said: "At the moment you are going to see me doing one show next year - and not one in England.

"I have a contract for this year and that is it.”

Piers Morgan is also expected to depart the show after signing a huge US deal to front an evening talk show for CNN.