BGT cancelled: ITV talent contest will not take place in 2021 due to Covid pandemic

Britain’s Got Talent will not take place in 2021 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, ITV has today confirmed.

The ITV talent show was previously postponed due to safety concerns and nationwide lockdown and tier restrictions.

After weeks of speculation, ITV confirmed it would not be able to go ahead this year. It will return in 2022.

A statement released this afternoon confirmed teams at ITV, Thames and head judge Simon Cowell's Syco, had decided to pull the show.

They said: “With our absolute priority of safeguarding the well-being 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.”

Cowell is joined by Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and David Walliams on the judging panel.

Britain's Got Talent Photocall - London
The judges with hosts Ant & Dec
PA

Cowell was set to be replaced on the series by former winner Ashley Banjo after the media mogul broke his back - forcing him to pull out.

Dixon told the Standard ahead of the announcement she would be “heartbroken” if it didn’t go ahead.

“We are just sitting here praying to the gods,” she said as she promoted her latest collaboration with BACARDI on its Conga music video and campaign.

“We will be genuinely heartbroken if it doesn’t happen. I know the producers are fighting to make it happen but at the same time we are living in uncertain times. And the most important thing is the safety of people. And if its not safe to make the show then we may have to park it.”

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