Itv’s Britain’s Got Talent returns Saturday with KSI and Amanda Holden’s saucy joke
itv’s Britain’s Got Talent kicks off season 19 on Saturday (February 21) at 7 p. m., bringing KSI into the full-time judging line-up alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon — and a cheeky moment that signalled the series will still court saucy banter.
Judges trade barbs in audition preview
In a recent interview the panelists traded examples from the auditions that promise an energetic opening night; KSI said, “There were some interesting act. Nipples were being stretched. ” Amanda Holden answered with one-line punchiness: “That was just me!” Amanda is back on the panel for a 19th time, a fact that frames her long-running role as a steady presence on the show.
Itv schedule and times
Season 19 gets underway Saturday (February 21) on ITV1 and on ITVX at 7 p. m., following the latest edition of Graham Norton’s Wheel of Fortune. The first episode is scheduled to run for 85 minutes, with Lee Mack’s The 1% Club slated to follow at 8: 25 p. m.
Blackpool auditions brought the chaos
The current batch of auditions was filmed in the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, where Amanda said the crowds were “wild” and “feral. ” She described people running down the aisles and the panel taking non-stop selfies, contrasting that with London audiences who “follow the rules and sit in their seats. ” Stacey Solomon made a guest appearance on the panel during the Blackpool auditions.
KSI’s promotion and the prize on offer
KSI makes his debut as a full-time judge Saturday night after previously filling in when Bruno Tonioli was filming Dancing with the Stars in America. The judging quartet joins hosts Ant and Dec as they search for the next winner, who will earn a spot at the Royal Variety Performance and a £250, 000 prize.
Last year’s series was won by magician Harry Moulding, a concrete benchmark for the kinds of acts competing this season. Producers have noted that Britain’s Got Talent has filmed auditions in Blackpool for the past three series, reinforcing the seaside town’s role as the show’s recent audition base.
How the first night will look and what to expect next
The opening night’s 85-minute running time and the 7 p. m. start make it the weekend’s prime entertainment slot on ITV1 and ITVX. Broadcasters will not air the programme on March 14 because of the final of the 2026 Six Nations Championship; the schedule for May 16 around the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 remains unsettled.
Tuesday’s publicity and the judges’ comments underline that the new series will mix raucous regional audiences, high-stakes prizes and a refreshed judging panel. The first episode airs Saturday at 7 p. m., with viewers set to see the Winter Gardens auditions and the new dynamic KSI brings to the panel.
