David Walliams and Simon Cowell
David Walliams has reportedly been offered a £200,000 pay rise to stay on the 'Britain's Got Talent' judging panel because his on-screen relationship with Simon Cowell has been a success.
David Walliams has reportedly been offered a huge pay rise to stay on the 'Britain's Got Talent' judging panel.
Walliams 42, joined the ITV talent in 2012, could now earn up to £1million if he signs on for another two years as bosses love his on-screen relationship with boss Simon Cowell.
A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "David is in very early stage discussions. His current contract expires at the end of this series and show bosses are hoping to coax him back.
"The producers recognise just how important he is for ratings and they're very keen for him to sign up again."
But despite his success on the show, the flamboyant star has admitted he's worried Simon could one day get rid of him because of how often he puts him down.
During this year's auditions he has hit him with a pen and twice wrestled him after he tried to stop acts from continuing their performance on the show.
He's also popular for his hilarious remarks to the other judges, Alesha Dixon, 35, and Amanda Holden, 43, and he joked about Alesha's former career in pop with band Mis-Teeq during the semi-finals by telling contestant Christian Spridon: "Alesha made a career miming, so can you," after which she tipped a glass of water over him.
The source added: "Cowell appreciates that Walliams knows what makes great TV, even if he does wish he'd put a sock in it sometimes."
David was rumoured to have signed a £300,000 one-year deal when he joined the programme and his pay was increased to about £800,000 for two years.
Amanda, who have been on the show since it launched in 2007, and Alesha, who joined in 2012, are also expected to sign new contracts.
Tonight a BGT spokesperson said: "We never comment on contracts or negotiations."
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