Britain's Got Talent Season 19 Premieres with Fresh Faces and Familiar Favorites
The iconic ITV talent competition Britain's Got Talent is making its highly anticipated return for the 2026 series, marking its nineteenth season with significant changes to the judging panel while maintaining its core entertainment values. The show continues to offer life-changing opportunities, including the substantial cash prize of £250,000 and a prestigious performance slot at the Royal Variety Performance.
New Series Launch Details and Schedule
The 2026 season of Britain's Got Talent will officially launch on Saturday, February 21, airing at 7:00 PM on ITV1, ITVX, and STV. The premiere episode is scheduled to run for one hour and twenty-five minutes, kicking off another exciting search for the nation's most extraordinary talent.
Revamped Judging Panel for 2026
The judging panel sees notable changes this season while retaining some familiar faces. Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon all return to their judging roles, providing continuity and expertise. However, Bruno Tonioli has departed the show following the previous series, making way for new judge KSI, who previously appeared as a guest judge in 2025.
Amanda Holden praised KSI's addition to the panel, noting his unique perspective: "Aside from his no-nonsense approach, he's bringing a new approach to the show. He looks at everything through a social media lens and what will work and won't work on TikTok. That is what we pride ourselves on at Britain's Got Talent, always moving with the times."
Holden further elaborated on KSI's impact: "Having KSI on the end is a stroke of genius. I just love him. He's got great energy. He's up for stuff. KSI and I socialise together; it's just heaven on a stick behind the scenes."
Additionally, Stacey Solomon will make a special appearance as a temporary judge, covering for Simon Cowell during certain episodes. Host Ant commented on Solomon's unique perspective: "Stacey knows exactly what it's like to stand on this stage, audition and be judged for a show like this, because she did the very same on The X Factor. So it was nice for her to sit there in the judge's chair and put herself in the shoes of every auditionee who walked on stage."
Returning Hosts and Show Format
Beloved presenting duo Ant and Dec return to host Britain's Got Talent for the nineteenth consecutive series, bringing their trademark humor and chemistry to the proceedings. Ant teased what viewers can expect: "Like we always say, expect the unexpected! We never know who's going to walk around that corner when we're on the side of the stage, and the viewers never know who's going to walk on stage when you're watching on telly."
Dec added to the excitement: "There's more madness and more fantastic talent from here and around the world."
Previous Winner and Current Expectations
The 2025 series was won by magician Harry Moulding, who captivated both judges and audiences with his remarkable mind-reading abilities before securing the public vote. Moulding now joins Britain's Got Talent's Hall of Fame as the most recent champion.
Head judge Simon Cowell expressed optimism about the upcoming season: "I think it's got all the makings of a great year. And credit to the team. They really, really work hard and they work hard all year long to make it as good as possible. We always try and make it better than the year before. That's always our goal. I certainly think this series is going to be up there amongst some of the greatest."
The golden buzzer feature returns, allowing judges and presenters to send their favorite acts directly to the live semi-finals with a single press. Hundreds of hopeful performers will take to the stage throughout the series, all vying for the ultimate prize and the chance to follow in Harry Moulding's footsteps.
Britain's Got Talent continues to evolve while maintaining the elements that have made it a Saturday night television staple for nearly two decades. With new judges bringing fresh perspectives and the reliable presence of Ant and Dec at the helm, season 19 promises to deliver the unexpected talent and emotional moments that have defined the show's enduring success.
