BGT's Simon Cowell skips interview with ITV co-stars as 'feud' rumours intensify

Britain's Got Talent fans were left open-mouthed after Amanda Holden explained away Simon Cowell's absence by suggesting he was getting a massage. The trio of judges had appeared without him on their Good Morning Britain interview with Richard Arnold this week.

Bruno Tonioli joined in with Amanda's quip by joking: "Then there's aromatherapy!" Despite the playful banter, some fans seemed convinced that his absence signified a feud between them.

Earlier in the week, Simon and Bruno had appeared to clash over soulful singer Ace Clvrk, who'd disappointed many when his rendition of Billie Eilish's What Was I Made For? failed to get him through to the final. The stormy exchange that followed led to Simon exclaiming to his co-star: "I don't understand a word you're saying."

Many felt the tension could have been cut with a knife as they locked horns over Bruno's commentary, which seemed cooler and less complimentary towards Ace than other acts earlier in the show. Bruno had told him: "You took a huge, huge risk tonight - that was a very, very difficult song to do."

The audience booed the feisty Italian judge, as they had appeared to do at various times throughout that evening's competition. He went on to praise: "You were clever enough to use your middle range, which is where you are strong at. You made it work for you, so you succeeded.”

However, an unconvinced Simon interjected: "Bruno, when you said it was a risk, what did you mean?"

"It's a female song and it changes tonality," he shot back, but Simon dismissed: "I don't understand what you are saying."

Some fans took to Twitter to call the exchange uncalled for, branding former X-Factor judge Simon "rude".

"Simon was so rude to Bruno then, he might be annoying but no reason to talk to him like that," one exclaimed.

Another praised Bruno for giving good technical advice and constructive feedback.

"Simon Cowell, who's been judging singers for most of his career, is lost when Bruno, a dancer, gives sound technical advice on vocals!" they stated.

However, another disagreed, celebrating as they claimed: "Simon absolutely SHUTTING Bruno down!" (sic)

Meanwhile, Simon - once so notorious for his harsh, abrasive commentary that he earned the nickname Mr. Nasty - seems to have toned down his criticism in recent years.

This week, he gave overwhelmingly positive comments to most acts, leaving some surprised.