Britain’s Got Talent, the ITV juggernaut that has captivated audiences since 2007, is back with its 19th series—and this year’s installment is already shaping up to be one of the most eventful yet. As the auditions stage wrapped up on Saturday, April 18, 2026, anticipation has reached fever pitch for the live semi-finals, which are set to kick off at London’s Apollo on Saturday, April 25. With a revamped judging panel, a slew of golden buzzer acts, and a shake-up to ITV’s primetime schedule, fans are in for quite a ride over the next several weeks.
This season, Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, and Amanda Holden are joined by a fresh face: KSI, the YouTuber and boxer whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji. According to ITV, KSI stepped in to replace Bruno Tonioli, the former Strictly Come Dancing star who departed the show after three years. KSI isn’t a total newcomer to the Britain’s Got Talent desk—he made his debut as a guest judge last year, and his unique energy has already left an impression on both the panel and the contestants.
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing behind the scenes. Earlier this year, Simon Cowell was sidelined by illness, prompting popular presenter Stacey Solomon to step in as a stand-in judge. In a twist, Stacey was even allowed to use the coveted gold buzzer, a privilege typically reserved for the main panel. This move delighted fans, as the Sort Your Life Out presenter brought her own flair to the proceedings, and her golden buzzer act will now go straight to the semi-finals.
With Ant and Dec once again at the helm as presenters, the 19th series has already delivered its share of surprises. The auditions, which began airing in February and were filmed last year, introduced viewers to a diverse array of acts—from magicians and singers to a choir formed by none other than Jeremy Clarkson. Many of these episodes were set in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, a venue often described as the series’ spiritual home. The variety and talent on display have kept audiences guessing about who might emerge as this year’s champion.
ITV has confirmed that the semi-finals will air live each Saturday night, with one notable exception: the fourth semi-final will take place on Sunday, May 17, to avoid clashing with the Eurovision Song Contest the evening before. The grand final is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, when one act will walk away with a life-changing £250,000 prize and a coveted spot on the Royal Variety Performance.
One of the biggest talking points this year is the golden buzzer. Traditionally, judges use this privilege to send a standout act straight through to the semi-finals, and this year saw a record nine golden buzzer acts selected. According to ITV, these include para-athlete Paul Nunnari, who wowed the judges by climbing red silks using only his hands after getting out of his wheelchair. Simon Cowell was moved enough to hit his buzzer for this remarkable display of strength and determination.
Magician Rafferty Coope, who followed in the footsteps of last year’s winner Harry Moulding, was fast-tracked to the semi-finals by KSI. Moulding, who claimed victory in 2025 after receiving KSI’s golden buzzer, set a high bar for this year’s hopefuls. Other golden buzzer recipients include light-up dance act Antigravity—Alesha Dixon managed to beat Simon to the buzzer for this one—along with Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone Farmers Choir, which brought Amanda Holden to tears. Holden also sent dance group World Wings through to the next round.
Simon Cowell wasn’t finished after Paul Nunnari; he also used his golden buzzer for singer Matty Juniosa, adding another vocal powerhouse to the semi-final lineup. KSI’s other golden buzzer choice was the unforgettable Mr Cherry, whose act involved crushing cans and opening wine bottles with his bum—a performance that’s sure to be a talking point for years to come!
It wasn’t just the judges who wielded the golden buzzer. Presenters Ant and Dec selected comedian Ted Hill, and Stacey Solomon, during her stint as stand-in judge, sent the Solomon Braunstone Community Primary School dance group through to the semi-finals. All told, nearly 50 acts will perform across the semi-finals, making for a packed and unpredictable few weeks of live television.
For fans eager to witness the drama firsthand, there’s good news: tickets to the semi-finals are free and distributed via a ballot system through the Applause Store website. Winners are notified at least 24 hours in advance, giving lucky audience members the chance to be part of the action as it unfolds live on stage.
With the first semi-final airing from 7pm to 9pm on April 25, ITV’s usual Saturday night schedule is getting a temporary overhaul. The final episode of Celebrity Sabotage will air earlier than usual, at 6pm, while the Lee Mack quiz show The 1% Club will skip its usual slot. In its place, viewers can catch Graham Norton’s new reality gameshow The Neighbourhood at 9pm—another sign of just how much Britain’s Got Talent continues to shape the broader entertainment landscape.
As the semi-finals approach, the sense of anticipation is palpable. Last year’s winner, Harry Moulding, not only took home the £250,000 prize but also secured a spot on the Royal Variety Performance—a career-defining moment for any entertainer. This year, with a fresh mix of talent, a new judge in KSI, and a record number of golden buzzer acts, the stakes have never been higher.
But who will capture the nation’s heart in 2026? Will it be a magician, a singer, a dance troupe, or perhaps an act that defies all categories? With nearly 50 acts vying for the top spot, and with each judge—and even the presenters—having already made bold choices with their golden buzzers, anything could happen. One thing’s for certain: Britain’s Got Talent remains a showcase for the unexpected, a stage where dreams can come true in the most spectacular fashion.
As the countdown to the live shows begins, all eyes are on the Apollo in London. For the contestants, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime. For viewers, it’s another season of jaw-dropping talent, heartwarming stories, and the kind of live television moments you just can’t script.