Britain's Got Talent returns with new panel as fans gripe about the golden buzzer

britain's got talent returned on Saturday with Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell and Alesha Dixon joined by KSI on the judging panel, and viewers quickly voiced a familiar complaint about the golden buzzer.

Show launches: time, channel and running order

The new series got underway on Saturday, February 21, airing on ITV1 and ITVX at 7 p. m. after the latest edition of Graham Norton’s Wheel of Fortune. The first episode runs for 85 minutes and will be followed at 8: 25 p. m. by Lee Mack’s The 1% Club.

Judges and hosts line-up at the Series 19 launch

Amanda Holden reunites with Simon Cowell and Alesha Dixon on the judges’ panel, and Ant and Dec return as hosts. Ant McPartlin, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Simon Cowell, KSI and Declan Donnelly attended the Britain’s Got Talent Series 19 launch at the Ham Yard Hotel.

KSI replaces Bruno Tonioli as a full-time judge

Youtuber, boxer and musician KSI, whose real name is Olajide ‘JJ’ Olatunji, is making his debut as a full-time judge. He served as a guest judge last year and initially filled in when Bruno Tonioli was filming Dancing With The Stars in America. KSI commented: "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. "

Why Bruno Tonioli left and how producers reacted

Bruno Tonioli confirmed he will not take part in this year's show after appearing on Britain's Got Talent since 2023. He stepped into David Walliams' shoes and appeared across three series before announcing last September that he wouldn't return because of diary clashes with Dancing With The Stars in the United States. 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. " The show responded: "After three fabulous series, Bruno Tonioli is stepping down as a #BGT Judge due to filming commitments. His time with us has been truly SEN-SA-TION-AL! Thank you, Bruno, we'll miss you!"

Auditions, past winners and Blackpool return

The latest batch of auditions were filmed last year in the Winter Gardens in Blackpool; auditions have been held in Blackpool for the past three series. Auditions were previously staged at The Lowry in Salford and the London Palladium. Amanda Holden, who has appeared on every season of the programme, praised Blackpool: "I think that’s why we like going up north, going up to Blackpool, it’s a completely different type of person. Everyone’s lovely, they’re up for it. They’re noisy. They don’t care, you know, and it feels like they’re just a massive extension of us. They are so important, the energy and everybody. " She added that the town looks after the cast and crew and called Blackpool "Britain’s Got Talent’s spiritual home because it is the home of entertainment. "

First episode reaction and backstage shifts

Just minutes into the first episode, fans complained about the golden buzzer being mentioned and feared it would be "overused. " At the start of the show Ant and Dec reminded viewers that judges can send contestants straight through to the live semi-finals if they press the golden buzzer. Viewers posted: "We don’t need to see the golden buzzer, " "I wonder how many Golden Buzzers we'll get this year?", "9 to my knowledge, " and "Ditch the overused golden buzzer, overproduction, sob stories & the already successful 'testing their luck'. "

Simon Cowell’s past absences and Amanda’s brief chief-judge turn

Simon Cowell, 66, who was the first to press the buzzer last year, has faced a series of health challenges, including a near-fatal bike accident and a head injury after falling down some stairs. Last year he was absent from some auditions; Stacey Solomon stepped in as a substitute and Amanda Holden assumed the role of chief judge. Amanda reflected on that moment: "I must admit I hated sitting in that seat... I felt very outcast on the end. " She said she felt vulnerable without a fellow judge on either side and joked about her team eating her snacks in the dressing room. Amanda welcomed Stacey back, praising her warmth and recalling Stacey's past experience auditioning for The X Factor in 2009: "She's so lovely and I think we've got quite a similar style of judging. She's warm, she's super funny, she has a great understanding of what it's like to be on the other side. "

Prizes, past finalists and schedule changes ahead

Last year's series was won by magician Harry Moulding, who overcame dance group The Blackouts and dancer Binita Chetry. Contestants this series are competing for the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Performance and for a prize of £250, 000. The spin-off Britain’s Got More Talent, which ran from 2007 to 2019 and was presented by Stephen Mulhern, is not returning. ITV will not air the programme on March 14 because of the final of the 2026 Six Nations Championship, and it remains to be seen if the show moves day on May 16 because of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.

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