Britain's Got Talent 2026: A New Era Begins

Britain's Got Talent (BGT) is set to return for its 19th season on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 7 PM on ITV1 and ITVX. This season promises to be "bigger, bolder, and weirder" as a new cohort of performers aims to follow in the footsteps of the previous year's champion, magician Harry Moulding, who won a £250,000 prize and the opportunity to perform at the Royal Variety Performance.

Radio Times

The judging panel for 2026 has undergone a significant change with the departure of Bruno Tonioli, who stepped down due to scheduling conflicts. KSI, a popular figure in the entertainment industry and a previous guest judge, will take his place alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon. Tonioli expressed his regret in stepping away, stating, "After three incredible series, I’ve sadly had to walk away from a job which has opened my eyes to so much incredible talent."

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ITV has released promotional material indicating that this season will feature a diverse range of acts from across the UK and beyond. The show aims to attract a younger audience, with KSI's appointment seen as a strategic move to modernize the panel. An insider noted that Simon Cowell's son, Eric, played a role in influencing the decision, as KSI is a favorite among younger viewers. The insider remarked, "Simon is always looking for new ways to keep the show evolving... KSI has a huge social media presence and Simon knows how important it is to keep the show more modern."

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Ant and Dec will return as the show's hosts, continuing their long-standing role of encouraging performers and engaging with the audience. The judges will also wield the golden buzzer, which allows them to send their favorite acts directly to the live semi-finals, adding an element of excitement and immediacy to the competition.

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While the changes have been generally well-received, some critics argue that the shift towards a younger demographic may alienate long-time fans of the show. The departure of Tonioli, who had garnered a following among older viewers, raises questions about the balance between attracting new audiences and retaining existing ones.

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As the premiere date approaches, viewers can also look forward to "Britain's Got Talent: Unseen," which will air on ITVX every Saturday following the main show, offering exclusive content and behind-the-scenes footage.

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• “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.” — Bruno Tonioli, Former Judge

Radio Times

Britain's Got Talent 2026 is poised to deliver a fresh and exciting experience for audiences, blending new talent with a revamped judging panel, all while maintaining its core mission of showcasing extraordinary performers.

Radio Times