Britain’s Got Talent ‘reached its sell-by date’ as fans ‘switch off’ minutes in

Ant and Dec were back on Saturday night with the first Britain’s Got Talent of the series

Amanda Holden was back on Britain's Got Talent

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Amanda Holden was back on Britain’s Got Talent(Image: ITV)

Britain’s Got Talent viewers said the same thing as the ITV series made a return on Saturday night.

Britain’s Got Talent is back for its 19th season with hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly presenting. Simon Cowell, KSI, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon are also returning as judges for the 2026 series.

In the first episode, the fans met Liwei Yang, who left everyone in awe as she juggled a burning table with just her feet.

Another act that impressed the judges was Paul Nurrari, who made the Australia’s Got Talent final.

However, just minutes into the first episode, fans issued the same complaint, with many claiming to “switch off”.

One viewer said, “Britain’s Got Talent – Why am I sat here watching? Because the remote control is out of reach, and I am a sucker for punishment. #BGT.”

BGT viewers issued the same complaint minutes in to the new series

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BGT viewers issued the same complaint minutes in to the new series(Image: ITV)

 

Another complained, “Not even 10 minutes in and I am switching off Britain’s Got Talent.”

A third added, “I don’t know why I bothered tuning in, it’s as terrible as ever. Far too many people are too easily pleased #BGT.”

“Yep, show the worst ones first, yep, that’ll keep us watching it…oh wait,” another tweeted as another added, “Britain’s Got Talent reached its sell-by date long ago.”

However, not all viewers shared the same opinion, as many were thrilled that the ITV series was back on screens. One said, “And the nation is pleased that #BGT is back.”

Another wrote, “The wait for the new series of Britain’s Got Talent is finally over!”

Ahead of the first episode, Simon and his fellow judges opened up about what fans can expect from the 2026 series. Head judge Simon also said it was “impossible” for him to pick a winner this year.

A group of individuals gathered together, some standing and others seated, positioned in front of a table adorned with various decorative elements, including red and gold objects. The setting suggests a formal or celebratory atmosphere, possibly indicative of a professional event or gathering.

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The Brtain’s Got Talent judges are back alongside hosts Ant and Dec(Image: ITV)

He said, “You know what? It’s impossible. After an audition run, I watch all the tapes back, and this year I thought, ‘it’s really, really good’.

“And because I watch it with my family and friends, I love the shows to be funny – I think that’s really important – wacky, everything combined.

“Surprising moments, great moments, emotional moments, and just seeing people who normally wouldn’t get a shot, having a shot, that’s priceless.”