The annual Simon Cowell ITV talent show is returning for its 19th season
The judges are ready to find their next winner(Image: PA)
Britain’s Got Talent 2026 is finally here, but what time is it on, where was it filmed and why did KSI replace Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel.
With the 20th anniversary of the series approaching, season 19 of Britain’s Got Talent will see Amanda Holden reuniting with Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and KSI on the judging panel. Newcastle duo Ant and Dec are once again on presenting duties.
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Last year’s series was won by magician Harry Moulding, who managed to overcome the likes of dance group The Blackouts and dancer Binita Chetry after months of compelling viewing.
This weekend a new host of potential breakout stars looking to follow in Harry’s footsteps and win the chance to perform at the prestigious Royal Variety Performance and £250,000.
The judges’ buzzers are at the ready, Ant and Dec are standing by and your weekend TV fix is sorted, bringing spring along with it, Britain’s Got Talent 2026 has arrived.
When is Britain’s Got Talent 2026 on?
Ant McPartlin, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Simon Cowell, KSI and Declan Donnelly attend the Britain’s Got Talent Series 19 Launch at the Ham Yard Hotel(Image: WireImage)
Britain’s Got Talent 2026 gets underway on Saturday (February 21) on ITV1 and on ITVX at 7pm following the latest edition of Graham Norton’s Wheel of Fortune. Running for 85 minutes, the first round of auditions will be followed by Lee Mack’s The 1% Club at 8.25pm.
Sadly, 2026 marks another year without spin-off Britain’s Got More Talent, which ran from from 2007 to 2019 and was presented by Stephen Mulhern. The series brought fans behind-the-scenes and featured acts not seen on the main show.
Similarly to last year, ITV are not going to air the programme on March 14 due to the final of the 2026 Six Nations Championship. It remains to be seen if it also moves day on May 16 due to the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
Where were the Britain’s Got Talent 2026 auditions filmed?
The latest batch of auditions were held last year in the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Britain’s Got Talent’s auditions have been filmed in the seaside town of Blackpool for the past three series.
While the auditions have previously been held in The Lowry in Salford and at the London Palladium in London, Amand Holden, who has appeared on every season of the programme, recently revealed that she loves heading up north for the auditions.
She told PA: “I think that’s why we like going up north, going up to Blackpool, it’s a completely different type of person. Everyone’s lovely, they’re up for it. They’re noisy. They don’t care, you know, and it feels like they’re just a massive extension of us. They are so important, the energy and everybody.
“Even in the hotel, we get so looked after. Everybody’s so warm and gorgeous. It really does feel like you’re at home.”
Amanda continued: “It’s Britain’s Got Talent’s spiritual home because it is the home of entertainment. You look at Blackpool and there are so many legends that were there, the peers, the theatres, and everything else. So I think what’s great for Blackpool and for us is that we’re bringing a bit of life back to that town.”
Why did KSI replace Bruno Tonioli on Britain’s Got Talent?
YouTuber, boxer and musician KSI whose real name is Olajide ‘JJ’ Olatunji, is making his debut as a full-time judge Saturday night. However, he’s no stranger to how the programme runs.
Last year saw him initially brought in to fill in for when former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno was filming Dancing with the Stars in America. KSI jumped in again when Simon took time off following One Direction singer Liam Payne’s passing. He was the judge who gave eventual winner Harry the golden buzzer during the audition process.
KSI, who also made an appearance during last year’s live semi-finals, was confirmed as a full-time judge after Bruno announced in September that he was stepping away from the series after three seasons, having joined the programme in 2023.
Bruno, who replaced David Walliams on the judging panel, revealed he is returning to the US to film the next season of Dancing with the Stars. He said in a statement at the time: “After three incredible series, I’ve sadly had to walk away from a job which has opened my eyes to so much incredible talent and step down as a judge on BGT.
“And whilst I look forward to filming a new series of Dancing with the Stars in the US, I will miss the chaos and joy that BGT brings, as well as all the wonderful people I’ve had the privilege of working with. They truly are a brilliant team who make brilliant television, and I know KSI will be a fantastic judge too, as he’s already proven this year.”
Teasing what to expect from the series, KSI noted: “I’m so grateful and happy to be a part of the Britain’s Got Talent team for another season. I had such a good time last year and I can’t wait to see some more top talent. I’m full of energy, ready to go and can’t wait to make this the most entertaining BGT season ever! Let’s do this.”
Additionally, Stacey Solomon will also be making an appearance on the panel to fill in for Simon who missed the first day of filming. Stacey is no stranger to talent shows after finishing in third place during The X Factor’s 2009 series.