Britain's Got Talent has confirmed a shake-up to its auditions, with Bradley Walsh stepping in as guest judge for Simon Cowell on the ITV talent show. The current auditions are taking place in Blackpool, though without Simon Cowell at the helm of the judging panel, as he has been replaced by another much-loved television personality.
How the competition works
During the opening stage of the ITV talent competition, performers are invited to showcase their abilities before the judges. Those who succeed advance to the live semi-finals, with audiences playing a vital part in determining which contestants can reach the final. Nevertheless, presenters Ant and Dec, alongside the judges, retain certain authority through a special "live Golden Buzzer", enabling them to dispatch an act directly to the final, avoiding the public ballot.
In the grand final, the champion is determined by public voting and receives prize money plus an appearance at the Royal Variety Performance.
Bradley Walsh joins the panel
Simon, 67, is absent from the current Blackpool audition sessions as he is understood to be recuperating from back surgery, with his stand-in confirmed as Bradley Walsh. The guest panellist, 66, who is renowned for fronting ITV quiz programme The Chase, was spotted at Blackpool's Winter Gardens for auditions, where he sat alongside judges Amanda Holden, KSI, and Alesha Dixon, reports the Daily Star.
In footage shared on the official BGT social platforms, including Instagram, on Monday (October 12), the judges responded to news of Simon'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."
Viewer reaction
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.."
Simon Cowell's back surgery history
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.
