Britain’s Got Talent Returns This February — With New Judges and Unanswered Questions

BGT Series 19 Dec Audition | Britain's Got Talent 2026 Casting Open

Britain’s Got Talent is set to return this February with a brand-new series — and while familiar faces remain, this season promises change, intrigue and a sense that not everything is quite as it seems.

After months of speculation, ITV has confirmed the show’s comeback, teasing a refreshed judging line-up and a new round of auditions that insiders are already describing as “unpredictable.” With the competition once again searching for standout acts to claim a place in the live semi-finals, the stage is set for another season of surprise, emotion and controversy.

Familiar guides through unfamiliar territory

As ever, Ant & Dec return to shepherd viewers through the chaos and excitement of audition day. The presenting duo remain the steady heartbeat of the show, offering reassurance to nervous hopefuls moments before their lives potentially change forever.

Behind the scenes, however, there are hints that this year’s journey may be less straightforward than usual.

A powerful panel — with a twist

Britain's Got Talent's first day of 2026 auditions is cancelled

On the judging panel, long-standing figures Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon resume their seats, bringing with them years of experience and an unspoken authority over the competition’s direction.

Joining them once again is KSI, whose return is already raising eyebrows. His presence continues to divide opinion, blurring the line between traditional talent and modern stardom shaped by online platforms and global influence. Some see his role as a sign of evolution; others view it as a gamble.

But it is the addition of Stacey Solomon as a guest judge that has sparked the most curiosity.

The mystery of Stacey Solomon’s role

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While Solomon’s involvement is described as temporary, her presence introduces a new dynamic to the panel. Known for her warmth, honesty and emotional openness, she brings a very different energy to the judging desk — one that may shift how certain acts are perceived.

Producers have remained tight-lipped about which episodes Solomon will appear in, fuelling speculation about whether her influence could play a decisive role in key moments. Will her voice tip the balance during tense deliberations? Or will her empathy lead to unexpected decisions that challenge the show’s usual rhythm?

For now, those answers remain deliberately out of reach.

Auditions shrouded in secrecy

Little has been revealed about the auditions themselves — and that silence feels intentional. According to sources close to production, this year’s acts span an unusually wide range of ages, backgrounds and performance styles, with several moments reportedly leaving the judges visibly conflicted.

There are whispers of prolonged silences after performances, heated debates behind the desk and decisions that did not come easily. The suggestion is clear: not every verdict this season will be unanimous, and not every choice will sit comfortably with viewers at home.

The battle for the live semi-finals

As always, hopefuls are fighting for a coveted place in the live semi-finals — a stage where pressure intensifies and every performance carries real consequence. Yet with a judging panel made up of contrasting personalities and perspectives, the path forward may depend on more than just technical skill.

Story, originality and emotional impact appear to be playing an increasingly significant role, raising the stakes for contestants who must now connect as much as they impress.

A season defined by uncertainty

Britain’s Got Talent has long thrived on the unexpected, but this new series seems poised to lean into that unpredictability more than ever. With returning judges, a guest appearance that could disrupt the balance, and auditions already described as “divisive,” the show enters February with more questions than answers.

Will a new kind of star emerge? Will a single decision ignite debate across the country? And could this season quietly redefine what Britain’s Got Talent is really looking for?

One thing is certain: when the lights come up and the first act takes the stage, viewers may realise that this season is not following the usual script.