Simon Cowell and his fellow ITV judges are heading back to London for the Britain’s Got Talent semi-finals
(Image: ITV)
ITV has announced major changes to its schedule, but when are the Britain’s Got Talent semi-finals?
The annual ITV series is currently airing its 19th series, having kicked off all the way back in 2007. This year has seen Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden joined by new judge KSI.
The YouTuber and boxer was called in to replace former Strictly Come Dancing star Bruno Tonioli, who departed the series after three years on the judging panel. KSI, real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, made his debut on Britain’s Got Talent last year as a guest judge.
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It’s been a turbulent year for the programme, with Stacey Solomon having to fill in for Simon, who was out through illness. The Sort Your Life Out presenter was even allowed to use the gold buzzer.
After kicking off in February, the auditions stage of Britain’s Got Talent 2026 concluded on Saturday night (April 18). Filmed last year, viewers have been introduced to magicians, singers and even a choir set up by Jeremy Clarkson.
It’s now been confirmed that the first semi-final will air live from the Apollo in London on Saturday, April 25. This means there’s only one week to go until things become even more tense on the programme.
The new series returned in February(Image: ITV)
Similarly to last year, the semi-finals will be airing on consecutive Saturday nights before the final is held on Saturday, May 30. However, the fourth semi-final will take place Sunday, May 17, due to the Eurovision Song Contest being held the evening prior.
On top of the semi-finals no longer airing on consecutive week nights as it did for the bulk of its run, last year saw the judges allowed to use a gold buzzer which would send an act straight through to the final
It’s free for fans to attend the semi-finals, with tickets available through the Applause Store website. Tickets are given out through a ballot system, with all winners to be informed at least 24 hours in advance.
Due to the first semi-final airing from 7pm until 9pm, ITV’s Saturday night schedule is being changed. Normally airing after Britain’s Got Talent, the final episode of Celebrity Sabotage will air at the earlier time of 6pm.
On top of this, the Lee Mack quiz show The 1% Club, will be missing on April 25. Graham Norton’s new reality gameshow The Neighbourhood will take its place in the station’s 9pm slot.
Those taking part in Britain’s Got Talent this year are hoping to follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner Harry Moulding. The magician, who was given a gold buzzer from KSI, won £250,000 and a spot on the Royal Variety Performance.
