FORGET Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden – get ready to meet the Worcester’s Got Talent judging panel.

There will be a number of judges sitting on the panel during this year’s contest, being held at Sin Bar in New Street later this year. As well as dishing out advice to contestants, the panel will decide who stays, who goes, and who walks away with the £5,000 in prize money.

A former judge from the Text Factor competiton, held at Sin earlier this year, said the experience helped him with his own onstage performances. Steve Maitland will be performing his Michael Buble Tribute Show across the country over the next 12 months.

He said: “Life as a judge is very exciting. You never really know what you are going to get on stage from each contestant – will we be surprised, shocked, wanting more – or wanting less?

“I like to see the reaction of the crowd also – did they entertain? Is it something I would want to see again? Did they leave me wanting to see or hear more? You will get a very exciting night in prospect for all the contestants and the crowd, too. My Michael Buble Tribute Show that I am now performing all around the UK is all thanks to Sin’s Text Factor. It gave me the inspiration to want to perform and get better and be the best that I can be.”

For more information visit bubletribute.com.

The full list is judges has not yet been released but your Worcester News editor Kevin Ward is signed up to judge during the live final.

“All of the judges will have some kind of industry experience,” said Paul Todd, manager of Sin.

“I want them to be honest, but not brutal. If they didn’t like a performance they need to say that, but they need to say why.

“Maybe it was the wrong choice of song for a singer, the wrong type of dance.

“We’re looking for constructive criticism. There’s no point being Mr Nasty.

“And believe me, when there are 40 family and friends stood there, it’s not that easy to tell someone they are going home.”

The winner of Worcester’s Got Talent will receive £2,500 in prize money.

While dates have not yet been fixed, talented residents can sign up now.

To enter, fill out the application forms in the Worcester News, download it from worcesternews.co.uk or pick one up from Sin in New Street or Bushwackers in the Trinity in Worcester. Send applications to Bushwackers, Trinity Street, Worcester, WR12PW.