Everything we know so far about Britain's Got Talent series 18
It will air in 2025
After singer Sydnie Christmas was crowned the winner of series 17 earlier in 2024, auditions are now open for the next series of Britain's Got Talent, which will begin in the first quarter of 2025 under a new schedule.
As hosts Ant and Dec and the judges are gearing up for the auditions, here's everything we know so far about series 18 of BGT.
When does BGT start?
There's been no official start date given for the 2025 series just yet, but what we do know is that it will begin in the first quarter of the year, instead of its usual April-June slot.
In August this year, bosses said: "With more Britain’s Got Talent fun filled Saturday nights of entertainment than ever before, families across the nation will have the opportunity to celebrate and be entertained by the incredible diversity of British talent, and your brand could become a part of this cultural zeitgeist too."
In another change for the 2025 series, the five semi-finals and final will all air on Saturday nights, instead of being shown across one week.
Can I apply?
Yes! Applications are now open for the 2025 series of BGT, with bosses urging people to apply.
There's a number of ways to apply, including via video, via WhatsApp, or in person. You can also nominate somebody else this year.
Find out more about applying here.
Applications close on 19th January 2025 at 23:59.
When are the auditions?
It hasn't yet been announced when the auditions will take place.
Where is Britain's Got Talent filmed?
No exact filming locations have been announced just yet, but we do know they'll be heading to Blackpool at some point.
For the 2024 series, auditions took place in London and Manchester, with 10 dates split between London’s Palladium and Manchester’s The Lowry.
The live-shows are expected to be filmed at the Fountain Studios in Wembley, London.
Who are the judges on Britain's Got Talent?
Bruno Tonioli, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon are all set to return for the 2025 series. Singer, YouTuber and boxer KSI will replace Bruno on a number of the auditions, whilst he's busy filming Dancing With The Stars in America.
KSI said of his involvement: "I'm so excited to be a guest judge for BGT. When I got the call up, I couldn't believe it. I remember watching old BGT episodes and going from being amazed to laughing my a--e off. I'm buzzing to see all the fresh new talent, and I'll be sure to leave a mark."
What channel is it on?
Britain's Got Talent will air on ITV/ITVX and STV/STV Player for viewers in Scotland.
What time is it on?
No timings have been unveiled just yet, but we imagine it will be around 7.30-8pm.
When is the BGT 2025 final?
No date has been announced for the 2025 final.
Who won Britain's Got Talent 2024?
Sydnie Christmas won the 2024 series of Britain's Got Talent. The singer was one of Amanda Holden's Golden Buzzer act.
Who hosts Britain's Got Talent?
The loveable duo that are Ant and Dec will be back to host the 2025 series.
What is the new spin-off show?
Just one week before the 17th series of BGT started in 2024, bosses announced a brand new spin-off show called Britain's Got Talent Reacts.
Sharing the new on social media, bosses wrote: 'Introducing our brand new spin-off show, #BGT Reacts! 📣Featuring some of the biggest content creators, much-loved celebrities and legendary BGT acts, it’s guaranteed to make you laugh out loud!'.
Find out all about Britain's Got Talent Reacts right here.
It's not yet been announced if the show will return for 2025.
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.
Why was Britain’s Got Talent not on in 2021?
Unfortunately, the 15th series was postponed due to Government health guidelines and COVID-19 restrictions.
ITV bosses announced that the 2021 series of BGT, which was scheduled to start filming at the end of January, had been postponed in order to prioritise the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the production of the hit talent series.
In 2020, the show was also forced to halt recording due to the pandemic. However, last year the auditions for the show had already been filmed, therefore it was easier for the production team to film the live finals in a COVID-secure environment.
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.
Britain's Got Talent will return in 2025
Now read:
Your ultimate recap of Britain's Got Talent series 17
KSI replaces popular judge on Britain's Got Talent
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