Bradley Walsh has been confirmed as the guest judge stepping in for Simon Cowell during the current Britain's Got Talent auditions in Blackpool. The 66-year-old, best known for hosting ITV quiz show The Chase, was spotted at Blackpool's Winter Gardens alongside judges Amanda Holden, KSI, and Alesha Dixon, according to the Daily Star.
Cowell absent after back surgery
Simon Cowell, 67, is missing the audition sessions as he is understood to be recuperating from back surgery. During the opening stage of the ITV talent competition, performers showcase their abilities before the judges, with successful acts advancing to the live semi-finals.
Audiences play a vital part in determining which contestants reach the final, though presenters Ant and Dec, alongside the judges, retain authority through a special "live Golden Buzzer" that sends an act directly to the final, bypassing the public ballot. In the grand final, the champion is decided by public voting and receives prize money plus an appearance at the Royal Variety Performance.
Judges tease Walsh's arrival
In footage shared on the official BGT social platforms, including Instagram, on Monday (October 12), the judges responded to news of Cowell's substitute. Original judge Amanda, 55, remarked: "Oh my goodness, have you heard the rumours about our Guest Judge on Britain's Got Talent? I heard that he's going to be on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury with Mr. Tumble."
YouTuber KSI, 33, remarked: "I heard he made a diss track on me...", while Alesha, 48, interjected: "I heard that he's a table tennis world champion". Bradley subsequently emerged and declared, "Stop the clock, that is wrong. It's me, Bradley Walsh."
Fans react to Walsh's judging role
BGT viewers were thrilled to see Bradley as a judge, with one enthusiast commenting: "OMG BRADLEY!!", while a second interjected: "Great choice! Looking forward to seeing him on the panel!" A third simply noted: "Amazing x", while another exclaimed: "Fantastic! Looking forward to seeing BGT now."
"We love Bradley Walsh!" added one supporter as another shared the view: "Yes, Bradley Walsh, my fav celeb crush, love him.."
Walsh's history with Cowell's health
In 2020, Simon sustained a serious fall from a new electric bike at his Malibu residence and required emergency surgery to repair his broken back. He underwent a six-hour procedure following the horrific accident that nearly left him paralysed, narrowly missing his spinal cord.
It didn't resolve all of Simon's back problems, and he has required ongoing specialist consultations ever since. Simon was also treated for concussion and a broken arm following the crash. The incident resulted in Simon having a metal rod inserted into his spine, amid numerous procedures and operations.
