Britain’s Got Talent 2026: Air Time, Filming Location, and KSI’s Role
Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) returns in 2026 for its much-anticipated 19th season. As the show approaches its 20th anniversary, fans can expect a fresh lineup and exciting performances.
Air Time for Britain’s Got Talent 2026
The debut of Britain’s Got Talent 2026 is set for Saturday, February 21, at 7 PM on ITV1 and ITVX. The first round of auditions will run for 85 minutes, followed by Lee Mack’s The 1% Club at 8:25 PM. Notably, the show will not air on March 14 due to the 2026 Six Nations Championship final, and a potential scheduling change may occur on May 16 because of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
Filming Location for Auditions
This year’s auditions took place at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool. BGT has used Blackpool as its audition venue for the last three series. Previous locations included The Lowry in Salford and the London Palladium.
Amanda Holden expressed admiration for Blackpool, calling it “Britain’s Got Talent’s spiritual home.” She emphasized the unique energy and enthusiasm of the participants, which makes the experience memorable.
KSI’s Role as a Judge
This season marks the debut of KSI, a multi-talented entertainer, on the judging panel, replacing Bruno Tonioli. KSI, known for his YouTube career and boxing, had previously filled in for Tonioli during his absences. Tonioli announced in September 2023 that he would step down after three seasons to focus on Dancing with the Stars in the US.
KSI expressed excitement about his role, stating, “I’m full of energy, ready to go, and can’t wait to make this the most entertaining BGT season ever.”
Previous Winners and Stakes
The latest season will see contestants aiming to win a chance to perform at the prestigious Royal Variety Performance and a cash prize of £250,000. Last year’s winner, magician Harry Moulding, overcame strong competition, including the dance group The Blackouts and dancer Binita Chetry.
Judging Panel and Presenters
- Simon Cowell
- Amanda Holden
- Alesha Dixon
- KSI
Ant and Dec will return as the beloved presenters, ensuring viewers experience a lively and entertaining atmosphere.
With a combination of established judges and new talent, Britain’s Got Talent 2026 promises to be a remarkable season filled with unforgettable performances.