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Neil Patrick Harris and Kate Ritchie join Australia’s Got Talent judges

Seven has announced a revamped panel of celebrity judges for the 2021 return of Australia’s Got Talent (AGT), one of a slate of talent shows airing on the network later this year.

Headlining the new-look panel is US actor and performer Neil Patrick Harris, with the Tony and Emmy award-winner heading down under for the program later in 2021.

Also joining is actress and Nova Entertainment radio host Kate Ritchie, as is English musician Alesha Dixon, who has previously judged Britain’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent.

They’ll join actor and entertainer Shane Jacobson, the only judge to return from last year’s panel which included Manu Feildel, Sonia Kruger and Kyle Sandilands.

Meanwhile, Ricki-Lee Coulter returns as the program’s host. As in previous years, the winner will walk away with $100,000.

Patrick Harris said: “To say I’m a fan of the AGT franchise is an understatement – I’ve been watching since the very first season.

“I’m a performer who has taken many stages throughout the, well, many stages of my career – be it acting, singing, dancing, hosting, juggling, magic-ing, even breathing fire! – and I have developed enormous respect for anyone with the courage to pursue their talents and passions at any level, let alone televised on a national stage.

“Australia has phenomenal talent across so many disciplines, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to join AGT in 2021 to see firsthand what the country’s awesome contestants have to offer.”

Ritchie meanwhile, will make her first foray into series television since 2013, and said: “People have spent more time at home than usual this past year.

“Some developed brand new skills and others fine-tuned their already spectacular talents. I am not only flattered to be sharing the AGT panel with this season’s line-up but super excited to see the incredible talent Australia has to offer… from what I believe to be the best seat in the house.”

Dixon, who spent nine years as a judge on BGT, said: “I’m super excited to be joining the panel at AGT. I can’t wait to see what talent Australia has to give and I’m really looking forward to working with my fellow judges.”

Jacobson added: “I am thrilled to be back as a judge for AGT and I’m beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside the other wonderful judges who are joining the family.”

AGT will be produced be Fremantle for Seven, and premiere on Seven and 7Plus later in 2021.

Seven director of network programming, Angus Ross, said: “This is AGT on a scale like never before – to be the best, you have to beat the best.

“Alongside the judging panel’s world-class talent, AGT promises to deliver world-class acts, with all the spectacular, surprising and must-see moments Australian families absolutely love.”

Fremantle Australia director of unscripted, Jonathon Summerhayes, said: “We’re delighted to welcome this megastar judging panel to AGT. This show is a juggernaut that uncovers acts who resonate around the world and we can’t wait to shine a spotlight on some incredible Australian and international talent.”

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