Britain’s Got Talent 2021 officially cancelled due to pandemic

Amanda Holden previously said she didn’t think series should be filmed without live audience

The 2021 series of Britain’s Got Talent has officially been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.  

BGT judge Amanda Holden had hinted at the cancellation earlier this week, and now it has been confirmed by ITV bosses.

A statement from ITV bosses to The Mirror said: “The decision has been made to – unfortunately – move the record and broadcast of the 15th series of Britain’s Got Talent to 2022.”

It continued: “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.”

Read more - Britain’s Got Talent could be cancelled this year due to pandemic, says Amanda Holden

Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden on BGT (ITV)

Auditions for the ITV competition show usually take place in January and February, with the process airing in April before the live shows in May.

Last year, the auditions for the 14th series aired as normal, but the live shows were replaced with pre-recorded episodes in September and October that featured a wall of screens showing fans watching from home instead of a studio audience.