David Hasselhoff and Amanda Holden judging BGT hopefuls

Britain's got Talent judges David Hasselhoff, Amanda Holden and Michael McIntyre are in Birmingham today for the second round of auditions in the city.

The stars have been in Birmingham since Saturday to whittle down the hopefuls who made it through from auditions at the NEC in December.

Hordes of fans have lined the streets around the New Alexandra Theatre in the city centre for a glimpse of their idols, queuing for hours, despite plummeting temperatures.

Amanda Holden and new judges Hasselhoff and McIntyre — brought in to replace Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan — arrived 15 minutes before performances, stopping to shake hands and sign autographs with the hundreds of fans lining the streets.

Amanda was also presented with a bouquet from one admirer and Hasselhoff was greeted with cheers of "Hoff, Hoff, Hoff".

The US actor believes the Birmingham auditions have already turned up "the new Michael Buble" and told how there have been fireworks backstage.

He said: "Birmingham has been amazing so far. We have seen some very talented people. In fact I think we have found the new Michael Buble in there. There were also some amazing Celtic dancers.

"It has been very emotional. There was one guy who was dancing in memory of his brother, which was really moving.

"Then you have the laughter. We saw one guy who just couldn't stop laughing, even to perform.

"He was voted off, then we had a big fight about it backstage and brought him back.

"There are also some real crazies as well, which is what makes it so fun."

Heavily-pregnant Amanda dressed to impress in a camel coloured coat, and white scarf, along with silver and diamond earrings on one day and a pillar box red coat and leopard print Louboutins the other.

She she was coping well with the heavy workload, despite being seven months pregnant. She said: "I am doing fine, it is the boys that keep having to go for naps all the time.

"We have had some great auditions here in Birmingham, including some amazing Irish dancers. I am hoping before they are over we will also see some Bollywood dancing and maybe some comedy."

McIntyre in a blue shirt and black overcoat posed for pictures outside the venue before disappearing into the theatre with a quick "See you in there".

Fans, some of whom had queued for more than four hours, were buzzing with excitement. The audience booked places online but seats were not allocated so queues formed as fans rushed to get the best seats.

At the head of the queue to the theatre were Natalie Clarke, aged 22 and Kayleigh Eades, both of Walsall Wood, who arrived at 7.40am. Kayleigh said: "I love the Hoff and can't wait to see him in action, and I think Amanda looks absolutely amazing.

Natalie, who is five months pregnant, added: "If I get chance I will definitely ask her for some tips."

Claire Burton, aged 23, of Aldridge, was taken to the auditions by boyfriend Nick Bridgman. He said: "Claire is a very big fan and as we have just started going out I thought it would be a nice surprise.We are both big Michael McIntyre fans."

Gillian Cox, aged 50 of Lichfield was at the auditions with daughter Heather, 35, and friend Samira Craig, 24, of Smethwick.

She said: "It is the first time we have been to the live auditions and it is very exciting. We are hoping to see the next Subo. If not I am sure that seeing David Hasselhoff on the panel will be entertainment in itself."

Samira added: "I am sad that Simon won't be there, but I'm sure Michael McIntyre will do really well."

"Melon man" David Loh, aged 51 of Birmingham, who starred in last year's Britain's got Talent was also outside the theatre.

The chef, who carves melons, pumpkins and carrots, also plans to entertain with a guitar this year. He was hoping to present Hasselhoff with a model of the Kitt car from Knight Rider, carved out of a carrot.

Bosses at Britain's Got Talent are keen to keep acts under wraps, but one entrant was spotted outside the show early on Saturday.

Canine contestant Max was with owners Robert and Karen Hawl, of Nottingham, who had a musical act featuring the dog. Walsall teenager Alex Fletcher, who reached the second round by playing tunes with his hands was due to audition today.