Britain's Got Talent: britain's got talent 2026 — what time it's on and why KSI replaced Bruno Tonioli
britain's got talent returns for 2026, with the new series beginning on Saturday, February 21 at 7pm and a headline change on the judging panel as KSI replaces Bruno Tonioli. The launch of season 19 brings familiar faces, scheduling notes and immediate viewer reaction to the opening episode.
When and where it airs
The new series gets underway on Saturday (February 21) at 7pm, following the latest edition of Graham Norton’s Wheel of Fortune. The first episode runs for 85 minutes, with the first round of auditions followed at 8. 25pm by Lee Mack’s The 1% Club.
The programme will not air on March 14 because of the final of the 2026 Six Nations Championship, and it is unclear in the provided context whether it will move day on May 16 due to the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
Auditions and filming locations
The latest batch of auditions were held last year in the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Auditions for the show have been filmed in Blackpool for the past three series, though they have previously taken place in The Lowry in Salford and at the London Palladium in London.
Amanda Holden, who has appeared on every season of the programme, said she loves heading up north for the auditions. She said: “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. Even in the hotel, we get so looked after. Everybody’s so warm and gorgeous. It really does feel like you’re at home. ”
Amanda added: “It’s Britain’s Got Talent’s spiritual home because it is the home of entertainment. You look at Blackpool and there are so many legends that were there, the peers, the theatres, and everything else. So I think what’s great for Blackpool and for us is that we’re bringing a bit of life back to that town. ”
Britain's Got Talent judges and presenters
With the 20th anniversary of the series approaching, season 19 sees Amanda Holden reunited on the judging panel with Simon Cowell and Alesha Dixon alongside KSI. Newcastle duo Ant and Dec return once again for presenting duties.
A launch gathering named the attendees at the Series 19 launch at the Ham Yard Hotel as Ant McPartlin, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Simon Cowell, KSI and Declan Donnelly. KSI, whose real name is Olajide ‘JJ’ Olatunji, is making his debut as a full-time judge on Saturday night after previously filling in: last year he was initially brought in to stand in when Bruno Tonioli was filming Dancing with the Stars in America.
Bruno Tonioli has confirmed he will not be taking part in this year's show. Bruno became part of the programme in 2023, stepping into David Walliams' shoes and appearing across three series before confirming his exit. He revealed last September that he would not be returning for series 19 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. 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. "
The show responded to Bruno's departure with praise for his time on the panel: "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!"
KSI commented on joining the panel permanently: "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. " Fans posted reactions ranging from sadness at Bruno's exit to excitement for KSI, with one writing: "Can't wait to see you as a judge!" and another: "Can't wait, so excited already!"
Golden buzzer and viewer reaction
Just minutes into the first episode, viewers raised the same complaint: concern that the golden buzzer is being overused. The series began on February 21 and, when the golden buzzer was mentioned, viewers worried it would be "overused. " Ant and Dec opened the show by reminding the audience that judges can send contestants straight through to the live semi-finals if they press the golden buzzer.
Fans expressed frustration with how often the golden buzzer seems to be used despite judges supposedly being allowed to use it only once per series. One viewer wrote: "We don’t need to see the golden buzzer. " Others posted: "I wonder how many Golden Buzzers we'll get this year?" and "9 to my knowledge. " Another reaction read: "Ditch the overused golden buzzer, overproduction, sob stories & the already successful 'testing their luck'. "
Last year's health, substitutions and the prize
Simon Cowell, the show's chief judge, was the first to press the buzzer last year. The 66-year-old judge and media tycoon has faced a series of health challenges over the years: he survived a near-fatal bike accident that left him questioning his ability to walk again. Last year he was absent from some auditions after falling down some stairs, resulting in a head injury. Stacey Solomon stepped in as a substitute while Amanda assumed the role of chief judge.
Amanda reflected on that experience: "I must admit I hated sitting in that seat. I've been on the show the longest, so I understand why I probably need to sit in that seat, but when I was there, I felt very outcast on the end. " She added: "It's OK if your team are sitting to the left of you – Simon's got dozens of staff and family watching from the side and communicating with him. Mine all decided to eat my snacks and sit in the dressing room, paying no attention to the show or me whatsoever!" When Simon asked her, "You must have loved it. Did you feel powerful?" Amanda said: "I said I hated it because I had to keep leaning in to be part of the conversation. I never want to sit in that seat again! I'm juicy in the middle, it's such a good spot. "
Last year's series was won by magician Harry Moulding, who overcame the likes of dance group The Blackouts and dancer Binita Chetry. The prize for the winner is the opportunity to perform at the Royal Variety Performance and a cheque for £250, 000. Meanwhile, the spin-off Britain’s Got More Talent, which ran from 2007 to 2019 and was presented by Stephen Mulhern, will not return for 2026.
Season 19 opens with familiar presenters and a reshaped panel, a clear schedule of early-night viewing, and immediate viewer debate about the format and the golden buzzer.
