Britain's Got Talent stylist Gemma Sheppard reveals secrets of the TV show

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Stylist Gemma Sheppard, 40, previously worked on The X Factor
She works alongside costume designer Tom Rogers to create BGT looks
Works on huge number of contestants, from dance troupes to roller skaters

Published: 12:37 EST, 29 May 2015 | Updated: 14:40 EST, 29 May 2015

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The glamorous judges, the entertaining stage antics and the dreaded red buzzers; there's a reason why ITV's Britain's Got Talent is one of the most addictive shows on UK television.

But it turns out that it takes more than just a stage and the contestants to bring the show to life -as an insider now reveals.

From backstage disasters to creating bizarre signature looks, Britain's Got Talent stylist, Gemma Sheppard, 40, talks to FEMAIL about the secrets behind the popular programme.

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Gemma Sheppard, 40, is Britain's Got Talent's stylist, who works with all the contestants to create their individual looks

it's the first year that Britain's Got Talent has enlisted the help of a fashion stylist to creatively mould the contestants, with Gemma invited onto the show after her successful run as Style Director for ITV's pop sister show, The X Factor.

Working alongside costume designer Tom Rogers, Gemma has styled everyone from dance troupes to roller skaters, to orchestras, and even space-suited singers.

40-year-old Gemma, who lives with her husband and three children in Ibiza, explains that there is never an average day in the BGT wardrobe.

She says: 'The beauty of my job is that no two days are ever the same. At the moment my days are filled with building the respective wardrobes for each act - some of which are made up of groups so there is a huge number of people to dress.

Britain's Got Talent stylist Gemma Sheppard (left) poses on the set with costume designer Tom Rogers (right)

'I'm always keeping in mind that when the show goes live next week we will need spares and extras in case of any last minute wardrobe changes.

'I love the adrenaline of live TV - it's so different to my other work, say that of a still photo-shoot.

'The stage and lights and live element of BGT create natural jeopardy, but that's why the team and I are working hard now to create a wardrobe that can solve any last minute fashion dilemma.'

Gemma is one of a team of six, including designer Tom Rogers, three assistant stylists and a seamstress.

The clothes for each of the contestants come from far and wide, and inspiration can often come from a certain film.

Contestant Lorraine Bowe, 53, donned a silver spacesuit with extendable arms for her performance - one of stylist Gemma's favourites

Behind-the-scenes: Stylist Gemma is pictured wearing contestant Lorraine Bowen's space suit on her Instagram account

Gemma explains: 'We find clothes wherever we need them, covering all the high street and online brands you might expect and then some also some undiscovered fashion talent.

'I love that aspect of the job actually - giving designers the chance to showcase their work. Of course some of these acts require more of a costume than a high-fashion look.

'Tom Rogers and I will discuss this between us. What I am really enjoying about working with Tom is the fusion of fashion with costume.

'The combination of a stylist and a costume designer looking after the wardrobe at BGT is perfect - fashion's roots are in theatre, very often designer mood boards reference a movie or an actor.'

'I'm always saying that fashion is an emotional tool; if you look good, you feel good': Gemma's job is to make each of the acts feel empowered by what they are wearing

In terms of turning an act into a 'star', it can often be a challenge to negotiate between the contestant's person identity and also push the creative boundaries, in order to make for good television.

Gemma explains: 'I'm always saying that fashion is an emotional tool; if you look good, you feel good.

'My job, as their stylist, is to understand what they're comfortable with but also push their creative boundaries to create a 'look' they feel empowered by and can be known and positively recognised for.

'The transformation from act to star is a collaborative process, fashion plus creative direction plus the incredible glam squad we have at BGT.

'This is the act's moment and we want them to embrace the spotlight and the opportunity that gives them.'

Gemma styled roller-skating duo Billy and Emily in bespoke pieces

Gemma's Instagram shows her styling efforts on a group of the Britain's Got Talent backing dancers

Known for his brutal honesty, television executive Simon Cowell, 55, whose company Syco owns and masterminds both The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent, ensures that the show is the huge success that it is.

Gemma gushes: 'Simon approves all aspects of the show, with production and the execs.

'He has phenomenal attention to detail, yes that's demanding but this is the UK's number 1 show. That's a lot of eyes watching and so of course the bar is set high to deliver a near enough perfect show.'

The judging panel of the hit UK show is made up of Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams.

On the other judges, while she may not style them herself, 40-year-old Gemma praises the consistently strong looks from Amanda Holden, 44, and 36-year-old Alesha Dixon.

Gemma says: 'I loved Amanda and Alesha's audition looks, they both work with incredible stylists and their looks have been bang on point, whilst retaining their individuality.'

Amanda Holden wears dangerously low-cut dress on BGT

Dance troupe IMD Legion take to the stage, styled by Gemma Sheppard

Another behind-the-scenes shot from Gemma's Instagram sees a group of dances pose backstage in all-white outfits

The stylist admits that often it is the kooky or bizarre acts that makes her job truly enjoyable.

Gemma explains: 'That's what is so fascinating about this show, the sheer breadth of acts and also each performance, whether it is a solo artist singing, a man playing a comb or a full stage of dancers each act is so distinguishable and the production that goes into each is incredible.'

But when it comes to her favourite, she believes that one quirky entertainer - who donned a foil space suit for her performance - outdoes them all.

Gemma chooses: 'So far, Lorraine Bowen, I loved her!'

And on such a fast-paced show, as expected, there are bound to be meltdowns and backstage mishaps, but Gemma insists that preparation is key.

Gemma admits that Simon Cowell (pictured) approves all aspects of the show and has 'phenomenal attention to detail'

The Britain's Got Talent judging panel is made up of (from left to right) Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams

She says: 'There have been 'moments', but I like to keep as prepared and as calm as possible.

'We have prepped the acts outfits before they get to the studios, the day of their appearance.

'But changes are happening right up to their moment on stage as production and choreography make notes based on the rehearsals and feed those back to me in wardrobe.

She adds: 'Sometimes it's as simple as changing a tie or tweaking the fit of a jacket, but I have been known to rustle up an entirely new outfit forty minutes before going live!'

On whether Britain's Got Talent massively differs to working on The X Factor, Gemma confirms that The X Factor is much more fashion-oriented, and how this can in turn affect the creative process.

Gemma explains: 'The X Factor is a much longer run of live shows and although I only meet the contestants just before they start, we do then have some weeks to get to know them over time which allows me to really develop their styles.

The judging panel have power over red buzzes and allow them to show their disapproval of the acts at any time

BGT stylist Gemma Sheppard praises judges (respectively left and right) Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon for their consistently strong style

'To be completely fair, The X Factor is more fashion-focused. As soon as people are on stage, the judges and audience are assessing their entire look and performance and social media goes crazy with comments and links to the fashion pieces.

'With BGT I'm working to a full-on schedule; it's a brand new, live show every night with a huge variety of acts.

'We work all day to create the best show we can, with changes right up the last minute.

'Then there is the inevitable emotion of acts getting through and those going home.

She adds: 'Then we're back the next day to do it all again, but with an entirely new set of performers who deserve the same energy as those we dressed for the first show.'

Tonight is the show's last semi-final, with the final on Sunday June 7.

The winner of the ninth series will win £250,000 as well as a spot on the Royal Variety Show.