Louis Walsh has launched a scathing attack on Britain's Got Talent, declaring the ITV show is 'done'. The former X Factor judge made the comments ahead of the programme's 19th series, which returned on 21 February.
Speaking to The Sun, Walsh questioned whether anyone still cares about the show, saying: 'BGT, who cares? It's not what it was. Back in the old days, it was pulling in 12 million, and the whole country cared who won. Now it doesn't feel like that, who even won last year?'
Last year's finale, won by magician Harry Moulding, attracted around 4.1 million viewers – the lowest in the show's history. The 2025 launch drew roughly 5.5 million, down about one million from 2022. However, these figures exclude streaming on ITVX and catch-up services.
A source close to Britain's Got Talent dismissed Walsh's remarks as 'typical of Louis', insisting the show has 'never been better'. They claimed last year's series reached over 30 million viewers across ITV, ITVX and digital platforms.
Walsh, who appeared as a guest panellist on BGT in 2010 and judged Ireland's Got Talent, also expressed hope for December 10 – a band formed by Simon Cowell. He said he 'genuinely hoped' the group succeeds, knowing 'what it's like when things don't take off'.
