Bradley Walsh has joined the judging panel of Britain's Got Talent as a guest judge while Simon Cowell recovers from back surgery. The 66-year-old television presenter, actor, and comedian, best known for hosting ITV's The Chase, was spotted at Blackpool's Winter Gardens alongside regular judges Amanda Holden, KSI, and Alesha Dixon.
Simon Cowell Absent From Blackpool Auditions
Simon Cowell, 67, is absent from the current auditions in Blackpool as he recuperates from the procedure. In footage shared on the official BGT social media platforms, including Instagram, on Monday (October 12), the judging panel responded to news of his temporary replacement.
Amanda Holden, 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."
Fans React to Bradley Walsh's Arrival
YouTuber KSI, 33, remarked: "I heard he made a diss track on me...", while Alesha, 48, chipped in: "I heard that he's a table tennis world champion." Bradley then made his entrance, declaring, "Stop the clock, that is wrong. It's me, Bradley Walsh."
BGT viewers were thrilled to see Bradley take a seat on the judging panel, with one fan exclaiming: "OMG BRADLEY! ! !", while another enthused: "Great choice! Looking forward to seeing him on the panel!". A third simply wrote: "Amazing x", with yet another proclaiming: "Fantastic! Looking forward to seeing BGT now."
"We love Bradley Walsh!" declared one supporter, with another echoing the feeling: "Yes, Bradley Walsh, my fav celeb crush, love him."
How the Competition Works
During the first stage of the ITV talent competition, performers are invited to showcase their skills before the judges. Those who impress advance to the live semi-finals, where viewers hold significant sway over which contestants advance to the final.
Nevertheless, presenters Ant and Dec, alongside the judges, retain influence through a special "live Golden Buzzer", enabling them to propel an act directly to the final, circumventing the public ballot. In the grand final, the champion is determined by public vote and receives a cash prize alongside a coveted slot at the Royal Variety Performance.
Simon Cowell's Back Surgery History
Back in 2020, Simon suffered a serious fall from a new electric bike at his Malibu home, requiring emergency surgery to repair his broken back. He underwent a gruelling six-hour operation following the horrific accident that came perilously close to leaving him paralysed, narrowly missing his spinal cord.
The procedure did not fully resolve Simon's back problems, and he has continued to require specialist treatment ever since. Simon was also treated for a concussion and a broken arm as a result of the crash. The incident ultimately led to a metal rod being inserted into his spine, following multiple procedures and operations.
