Auditions begin for Britain's Got Talent series 19
Applications are still open!
Magician Harry Moulding wowed the judges and audience to win the 18th series of Britain's Got Talent earlier this year, in what was the longest-running series of the show's history.
After ITV/STV bosses confirmed KSI will permanently replace Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel, auditions kicked off at the beginning of October 2025, so here's everything you need to know ahead of its return next year.
When is BGT back on TV?
There's been no news on when series 19 will begin, but it will be some time in 2026.
Instead of its usual April-June slot, the 2025 series started in the first quarter of the 2025, running until the final on 31st May 2025.
When are the auditions?
The first round of auditions were due to kick off at the Hippodrome Theatre in Birmingham on Thursday 2nd October. However, after head judge Simon Cowell took ill, they were cancelled and resumed on Friday 3rd October.
Simon was once again unable to attend, but Stacey Solomon stepped in to replace him.
Auditions will move to Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Friday 10th, Thursday 16th and Friday 17th October, before returning to Birmingham later in the month.
Where is Britain's Got Talent filmed?
For the 2026 series, auditions will take place in two locations, Winter Gardens in Blackpool and the Hippodrome Theatre in Birmingham.
Who are the judges on Britain's Got Talent?
Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon will all return for the 19th series, but Bruno Tonioli has confirmed he's stepping down after three years on the show.
Sharing the news on 1st September 2025, he said: “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.”
KSI, who stood in as a guest judge during the 2025 series, has now become a permanent judge!
KSI said: “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.”
Singer and TV personality Stacey Solomon also joined the panel for the first day of auditions in Birmingham, replacing Simon who was too ill to attend.
Sharing a video to the official BGT Instagram account, Stacey told fans: "I'm here at BGT HQ in Birmingham, and I'm so excited to be a guest judge. This is a dream come true for me, so I cannot wait to get started and see what it's all about."
What channel is it on?
Britain's Got Talent airs on on ITV/ITVX and STV/STV Player for viewers in Scotland.
What time is it on?
The show usually begins at 7pm.
Can I apply?
Although auditions have started, applications or the 2026 series are still open! You can apply a number of different ways, including in person, via video, or via WhatsApp.
You can apply for BGT right here.
Who hosts Britain's Got Talent?
The loveable duo that are Ant and Dec are set to return to host the 2026 series.
What is the new spin-off show?
Ahead of the 2025 series, bosses announced that BGT Unseen would return.
A social media post read: 'BGT Unseen is back for 2025! 💥
'We're putting the spotlight on never-before-seen acts (and even some candid Judge moments!) in a brand new series.
'Stream the latest episode of #BGTUnseen right after the main show on @ITVX from Saturday 22nd February'. (sic)
It isn't yet known if the show will return in 2026.
How does Britain's Got Talent work?
Anyone of any age is welcome to audition for Britain's Got Talent with any talent they want to show off. Previous performers have included singers, comedians, dancers, musicians, and dog acts to name a few.
The first round of auditions are held throughout the UK in autumn, followed by another round of auditions with the judges and an audience present in January or February.
If the judges give a majority vote of 'yes' to a contestant they go through to the next stage. The judges then deliberate on which of these acts to take forward to the semi-finals, where the viewers at home get involved in voting to keep their favourite acts in the competition. However, if a judge uses their Golden Buzzer at the audition stage, the act goes straight through to the semi-finals.
The winner of the final gets a cash prize as well as a spot in the next Royal Variety Performance.
What is Britain's Got Talent: The Champions?
Following the main series, Simon Cowell announced plans for Britain's Got Talent: The Champions in 2019, featuring some of the most popular acts from the series around the world.
The judging panel remained the same for the show, with Simon, David, Alesha and Amanda sitting on the panel, whilst Ant and Dec hosted.
Who won Britain's Got Talent: The Champions?
Dance duo Twist and Pulse, who first appeared on BGT in 2010, were crowned the winners of Britain's Got Talent: The Champions on Saturday 5th October 2019.
The boys, Ashley Glazebrook and Glen Murphy, won the show ahead of the likes of MerseyGirls and Ukrainian sand artist Kseniya Simonova.
What happened to Britain's Got More Talent?
Britain's Got More Talent, hosted by Stepehn Mulhern, aired on ITV2/STV2 for a number of years, but in 2019, bosses confirmed that Britain's Got More Talent would be shown online only from 2020, with the hope they could reach a 'younger audience'.
An ITV spokesperson told the Daily Mirror at the time "As our 18-34 audience share continues to grow and viewing habits are changing, naturally we are listening to our viewers and focusing more on digital platforms in support of the main show."
Not long after, Britain's Got More Talent changed to Britain's Got Talent: Unseen Bits, before a brand new spin-off show was announced in 2024.
How long has Britain's Got Talent been on TV?
Britain's Got Talent first aired on our TV screens way back in June 2007. Ant and Dec were the hosts of the show, with Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan on the judging panel.
Who has won Britain's Got Talent in the past?
To date, 17 different acts have won Britain's Got Talent. These range from singers, dancers, comedians, magicians and even dogs!
The first ever winner of the show was opera star Paul Potts, who wowed both the judges and audience with his stunning cover of 'Nessun Dorma'.
Paul Potts
Paul Potts won the very first show in 2007 with his hugely impressive singing abilities.
George Sampson
Break dancer George Sampson won the show in 2008 at the age of just 14-years-old.
Diversity
Dance group Diversity won the show in 2009, with Ashley Banjo going on to become a TV presenter.
Spellbound
The 2010 series also saw a dance group win in the form of Spellbound, pictured here performing with singer Katherine Jenkins that year.
Jai McDowall
Singer Jai McDowall won the show in 2011.
Ashleigh and Pudsey
Dog performing act Ashleigh and Pudsey were winners of the 2012 series. However, Pudsey sadly passed away in July 2017.
Attraction
Another dance group won over the public in 2013, as Attraction used shadows and puppets to create beautiful spectacles - pictured here with actor Terry Crews.
Collabro
Singing group Collabro wowed viewers in 2014 with their performances of musical theatre songs.
Jules and Matisse
Britain's Got Talent saw its second dog act winner in 2015 with Jules and Matisse.
Richard Jones
Magician Richard Jones won the hearts of the nation in 2016.
Tokio Myers
Pianist and music producer Tokio Myers won the show in 2017, pictured here with BGT judge Amanda Holden.
Lost Voice Guy
Lost Voice Guy, real name Lee Ridley, won in 2018.
Colin Thackery
Colin Thackery won Britain's Got Talent 2019 with a heartwarming performance of 'Love Changes Everything'.
Jon Courtenay
Comedy singer Jon Courtenay was crowned the winner of the 2020 series! Jon was a favourite from his very first audition, picking up Ant and Dec's Golden Buzzer!
Axel Blake
Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer act, comedian Axel Blake, was crowned the 2022 winner of Britain's Got Talent, beating the likes of ventriloquist Jamie Leahy and singer Tom Ball.
Viggo Venn
Norwegian comedian Viggo Venn won the 2023 series of Britain's Got Talent with his high vis jacket inspired routine. He said he was happy to have captured 'Simon's heart' as well as the nation's.
Sydnie Christmas
Sydnie Christmas won the 2024 series of Britain's Got Talent, the singer who dreams of performing on the West End told Ant and Dec: "I cannot believe the amount of love that I've felt since it aired. I am overwhelmed with love and it is the most amazing thing.
"And I wish for one day that every single person in this room feels the way I do one day with this love. It's amazing, thank you so much!"
Who is the most successful Britain’s Got Talent winner?
It depends how you measure success - Paul Potts had a platinum-selling Number 1 album, Diversity had a number of sell out tours and took part in their own TV show. Ashley Banjo, Diversity's lead dancer, is also now a judge on Dancing On Ice.
Dancer George Sampson also enjoyed major success, as well as appearing in StreetDance 2, George landed roles in TV shows Waterloo Road and Mount Pleasant.
Dog act Ashley and Pudsey were very popular winners, and they went on to have their very own movie called Pudsey: The Movie. In 2017, Ashleigh announced the sad news that Pudsey had passed away.
Can I watch Britain's Got Talent on YouTube?
Although you can't watch Britain's Got Talent live on YouTube, the show does have its own official YouTube account. After every episode, the best auditions, performances and reactions are uploaded to the page for fans to watch.
Now read:
Britain's Got Talent: A look back at the 2025 series
KSI replaces popular judge on Britain's Got Talent
15 things you probably didn't know about Ant and Dec