Bradley Walsh is reportedly set to temporarily replace Simon Cowell on Britain's Got Talent, as the music mogul is expected to miss auditions while he undergoes a back operation. The Chase host is tipped to join regular panellists KSI, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon as a guest judge for some sessions.
Bradley Walsh tipped as stand-in judge
In the last series, viewers saw Stacey Solomon fill in for Simon when he was unable to attend auditions after falling ill. This time, however, it could be Bradley in the spotlight instead, as Simon is reported to have pulled out of filming due to his operation, with more filming expected in January.
A source told The Sun: "Bradley will be a brilliant stand-in for Simon and will offer an old-school performer flavour, which will complement the rest of the cast nicely. He's full of wisecracks and great one-liners, so he should have the audience in stitches."
Other names in the frame
Other names, including Lee Mack and Greg Davies, have also been reported as potential stand-ins for Simon. Bradley is no stranger to the Britain's Got Talent world, having presented the Royal Variety Show back in 2023, which saw the winner of the ITV show, Norwegian comedic clown Viggo Venn, take to the stage.
Alongside Stacey filling in for Simon, ITV viewers also watched Ashley Banjo step in back in 2020 as a guest judge during Simon's absence. ITV has been contacted for comment.
Applications open for 20th series
Currently, the programme has applications open for its 20th series, which will close on Friday, 16th October 2026, as they search for the next winner. The application page reads: "It's the BIG ONE! That's right, next year it'll be our 20th series of Britain's Got Talent and what better way to celebrate than to showcase some of the best talents to exist in Britain and across the globe. And if you want to be part of BGT's BIGGEST series yet, now's your chance to apply for an audition."
Earlier this year, ITV viewers saw The Hawkstone Farmers' Choir named as the Britain's Got Talent champions, with drone display group Celestial coming in second place. The choir, set up by TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson to support farmers with their mental health, took home a £250,000 cash prize and the opportunity to perform at the annual Royal Variety Performance.
Speaking about their win, choir member Katryna Shell told hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly: "We are the first-ever choir to have won Britain's Got Talent. This is for all the farmers out there, for anybody that's struggling, it's not a taboo subject, if you're not OK, speak up, this is for the farmers." Episodes of Britain's Got Talent are available to watch on ITVX.
