Britain’s Got Talent will not take place in 2021, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
ITV said it was pulling the show – hosted by Ant and Dec with judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and David Walliams – in order to safeguard “the wellbeing and health of every person involved in the programme”.
Hundreds of people work behind the scenes of the Britain’s Got Talent audition shows, which often feature large group acts. Difficulties in filming during the COVID-19 pandemic are compounded as acts travel from all over the UK and sometimes abroad to take part.
Earlier this month, the broadcaster announced that filming on the 15th series was being postponed due to the challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions, and talks about whether or not it could go ahead have been taking place this week.
However, it has now confirmed the recording and broadcast will not take place until 2022.
A spokesperson for the show said: “Despite everyone at ITV, Thames and Syco doing their best to make it happen, and with our absolute priority of safeguarding the wellbeing and health of every person involved in the programme, from judges, hosts and contestants to all of the crew and audience, the decision has been made to, unfortunately, move the record and broadcast of the 15th series of Britain’s Got Talent to 2022.
“BGT is known for its diversity of talent with big dance groups, wonderful choirs and lavish orchestras at its heart, and it has become clear that not only is it not possible to film auditions with these types of acts in a secure way but also that they are not able to adequately rehearse and prepare safely.
“Safety has to come first and, as a result, the recording of the show can’t currently go ahead as planned.”
The flagship talent show is now unlikely to return to TV screens before spring next year.