BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT: STACEY SOLOMON STEPS IN AS GUEST JUDGE, SIMON COWELL MISSES AUDITIONS

Simon Cowell is to miss the first date of Britain's Got Talent filming today due to illness, having also caused yesterday's auditions to be cancelled.

The Sun newspaper reports that Stacey Solomon is to step into his place for today's first round of auditions. Solomon will join Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and newly-announced permanent judge KSI. A source told The Sun: "BGT are so grateful to her for agreeing at such short notice and it adds an extra bit of excitement to proceedings too.".

Much loved judge Bruno Tonioli has confirmed he will be stepping back from the upcoming series due to scheduling conflicts as he returns to the US to film the next season of Dancing with the Stars.

After stepping in as a guest judge for season 18 which aired early this year, KSI proved a huge hit with audiences who witnessed his infectious energy and enthusiasm permeate screens.

Proving his eye for talent, it was KSI’s live show golden buzzer act, Harry Moulding, who eventually was crowned winner of BGT, bagging the £250,000 cash prize and a spot on the bill of the Royal Variety Performance.

KSI said: “I’m so grateful and happy to be a part of the Britain's Got Talent team for another season. I had such a good time last year and I can’t wait to see some more top talent. I’m full of energy, ready to go and can’t wait to make this the most entertaining BGT season ever! Let’s do this.”

Bruno Tonioli said: “After three incredible series, I’ve sadly had to walk away from a job which has opened my eyes to so much incredible talent and step down as a judge on BGT...

"And whilst I look forward to filming a new series of Dancing with the Stars in the US, I will miss the chaos and joy that BGT brings, as well as all the wonderful people I’ve had the privilege of working with. They truly are a brilliant team who make brilliant television, and I know KSI will be a fantastic judge too, as he’s already proven this year.”

Britain’s Got Talent retuens to ITV1 and ITVX in 2026.