Simon Cowell Reveals Stacey Solomon's Britain's Got Talent Future
Britain's Got Talent boss Simon Cowell has opened up about Stacey Solomon's guest appearance on the judging panel and whether viewers might see her return for the live shows. The 36-year-old presenter joined the ITV series last October, stepping in for Cowell after he missed initial filming days due to a fall.
Dream Come True Experience
During her time on set, Stacey called the experience "a dream come true," sharing behind-the-scenes moments on social media and expressing her excitement about the opportunity. While Cowell recovered from his injury, Amanda Holden temporarily led the panel alongside regular judges Alesha Dixon and KSI.
Cowell reflected warmly on Stacey's journey, noting: "I remember her first audition on The X Factor. I've seen what she's done with her career and I'm really happy for her, she's just a really nice person." The Loose Women star knows exactly what it's like to face judges herself, having risen to fame on The X Factor in 2009 where she finished third.
Positive Feedback from Co-Hosts
Co-host Declan Donnelly agreed with Cowell's assessment, adding: "Stacey could really relate to all of our auditionees. She was a really handy addition to the judges' panel. She was quite insightful in some of her critiques, so she did a really good job."
Cowell went further to express his enthusiasm about her potential return, stating: "Why not? I love Stacey, she's been a great friend over the years," when asked by reporters about seeing her back on the show.
2026 Judging Line-Up and Changes
The 2026 judging panel features Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI, while Ant & Dec return to host the popular talent competition. This year marks KSI's official joining of the panel, replacing Bruno Tonioli who stepped down after three series to focus on Dancing with the Stars in the United States.
Tonioli commented on his departure: "After three incredible series, I've sadly had to walk away from a job which has opened my eyes to so much incredible talent," adding that he would "miss the chaos and joy that BGT brings."
Cowell's Surprising Self-Assessment
Ahead of the new series, Cowell made a surprising confession about his own lack of performing talent. "I am the most talentless person in the world," he admitted. "I don't have a talent. Very early on in my life, I realised I had no talent whatsoever in terms of performing."
He explained that this self-awareness actually enhances his appreciation for contestants: "That means that when I see the acts, I think, 'I couldn't do that'. If I was on the show there is nothing I could do!"
Continued Passion for Talent Discovery
Despite his modesty, Cowell emphasized that discovering new talent remains what drives him after two decades on television. "There are all these undiscovered people out there. They're so brilliant and they've just got so much talent. That's what I love about my job."
He praised the show's ability to transform ordinary performers into overnight stars, from Paul Potts to Susan Boyle, and credited social media for amplifying their success. "We didn't see it as a threat... it was the opposite. If something works well online, it helps the show. Everything helps everything. You've just got to embrace it."
Memorable Blackpool Auditions
Cowell revealed that filming the latest auditions in Blackpool was one of his favorite experiences to date. "We had such a great time there. When we went for the new series, I had a Mr Whippy and donuts. And my hotel had a rollercoaster going through it!" he laughed.
He continued: "We also found the best joke shop ever. We bought stink bombs and everything, it was brilliant." Cowell praised the northern crowds, saying their energy made the auditions particularly electric: "The people there are fun. We always say the audience is the fifth judge — and they genuinely are."
Britain's Got Talent returns on Saturday 21 February at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with producers promising the new series will be "bigger, bolder and weirder" than ever before. Last year's winner, magician Harry Moulding, took home the £250,000 prize and a coveted spot at the Royal Variety Performance after earning KSI's Golden Buzzer.
