EXCLUSIVE: BGT FINALS - WHAT TO EXPECT

Recording on the Britain's Got Talent 2020 Semi-Finals began on Friday 28th August in London.

Image: Lewis

Ant & Dec return to present to oversee eight semi-finalists perform during each episode, two of which will be voted through to the live final in October. More information on the voting process is below. Ant & Dec have formed a bubble therefore do not need to social distance.

Former BGT winner and Dancing On Ice judge Ashley Banjo joined regular judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams, replacing Simon Cowell who is continuing to recover from breaking his back.

Image: Lewis

The show was recorded in front of a live virtual audience, with their reactions beamed into the studio on giant screens behind the judges. To see more pictures of the studio click here.

One act on the first show (no spoilers!) recorded a performance, which was then shown virtually in the studio. The other seven acts performed live.

After the eight acts perform, the judges choose their top three acts. These top three are then revealed by Ant & Dec. The judges then choose which one act they want to send through to the final.

Image: Lewis

All remaining seven acts then go to a public vote, which opens when the show airs. Voting will then close the following Monday at 10am, meaning voting is open for roughly 36 hours. The results of the public vote will not be revealed until the beginning of the live final in October.

The final is confirmed to be taking place on Saturday 10th October, live on ITV. The winner, as usual, will win a place on the Royal Variety Performance and £250,000.

To see more pictures of the studio click here.

Britain's Got Talent: The Semi-Finals begins Saturday 05th September at 8pm on ITV.

With thanks to Lewis.