Thousands of people lined the streets in Edinburgh hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the biggest names in reality TV.

Crowds gathered along Nicolson Street ahead of the city's first ever Britain's Got Talent auditions, held at the Festival Theatre.

Having previously taken place in Glasgow, the only Scottish leg of the auditions is part of a nationwide search for the next big thing, with the winner taking home a £500,000 cash prize.

And auditionees vying for the final showdown had big shoes to fill, with previous stars uncovered by the show including twice Grammy Award-nominated singer Susan Boyle and street dancer George Sampson, who is about to appear in the second StreetDance movie.

Speaking to the audience beforehand, music mogul Simon Cowell told the audience that he wanted to see Scotland represented.

He added: “Being a judge is a very long task, very tedious, sometimes very frustrating and occasionally rewarding, as we found out with Susan Boyle.”

But for most of the people waiting outside, rather than the acts it was judges David Walliams, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and, of course, Simon Cowell who were the main attraction.

Arriving first, new judge Alesha Dixon pleased onlookers by posing for photographs and signing her autograph, while fellow newcomer David Walliams followed suit, spending time getting to know his eager fans.

Next to be dropped off outside the Festival Theatre was Simon Cowell, who flashed his trademark smile to the press before meeting the starstruck audience.

Last to arrive, and keeping the crowd waiting for more than half an hour, was Amanda Holden, who was returning to the show after the birth of her second daughter Hollie left her fighting for her life in intensive care.

But Holden was all smiles on entry to the theatre, telling fans: “I'm all right”.

Fellow judges and presenters Ant and Dec gave the actress a warm welcome back once positioned in front the of the stage, with Simon Cowell confessing to have missed her.

Speaking before the show, audience members couldn't contain their excitement.

Scott Watson, who had come from Hamilton with friends and family to see the auditions, said: “We've been quite a few times and we would always travel to see it - we wouldn't miss it for the world. It's just a great atmosphere, brilliant. And we like Simon, he's good, we're waiting patiently to see him.”

Despite coming along for the free tickets, cash-strapped student Danielle Horsnell and friends were keen to meet the stars.

She said: “I love Simon, he's my idol. He's a mogul, he's amazing.”

While friend Adam Lee added: “We're looking forward bit of entertainment, a bit of fun. And definitely excited to see the rubbish performers.”

Claire Grant, from Wallyford, East Lothian, was also more interested in the embarrassment factor. She said: “I prefer the bad ones because you get to have a good laugh.”

Britain's Got Talent will be broadcast by ITV this March.

In pictures: Britain's Got Talent Edinburgh

IN DETAIL

Britain's Got Talent