Britain’s Got Talent auditions postponed on first day as Simon Cowell ‘suddenly falls ill’

Simon Cowell attends the Britain's Got Talent press launch in 2025.
Simon Cowell is said to be on the mend (Picture: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)

The Britain’s Got Talent auditions were postponed on their first day today after judge Simon Cowell is said to have been taken ill.

Applications for series 19 of the ITV talent show opened at the start of this year, with a mass appeal for performers to come forward to compete.

The BGT 2025 auditions were set to kick off on Thursday at the Hippodrome theatre in Birmingham.

However, it has been reported that head judge and music executive Cowell, 65, fell ill and the day’s auditions were postponed as a result.

A BGT spokesperson told Metro: ‘Due to unforeseen circumstances, today’s filming of Britain’s Got Talent has been postponed.’

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An insider on the show has said that judges often miss the occasional show and added that Cowell is now on the mend.

Editorial use only. No book publishing Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dymond/Thames/Syco/Shutterstock (9695749ew) Declan Donnelly with judges David Walliams, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell 'Britain's Got Talent' TV show, Series 12, Episode 9, London, UK - 29 May 2018
The Britain’s Got Talent auditions were set to kick off today (Picture: Dymond/Thames/Syco/Shutterstock)
"Britians Got Talent SR18" - Press Launch
Bruno Tonioli has stepped back from his role on the judging panel (Picture Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)

The source told The Sun: ‘Simon felt unwell in the last 24 hours. Judges often miss the odd audition because they don’t feel great – Simon, for example, has long suffered with migraines.

‘But it was decided, as this was the first audition of the series, it was best to postpone – so we could launch with everyone on the panel.

‘He’s on the mend now – and hoping to be fighting fit for tomorrow.’

The official BGT X account was still appealing for potential performers to come forward the day before the first auditions.

In a since-deleted post, the account tweeted: ‘We’re so back… Who’s joining us for the start of our BGT Series 19 auditions tomorrow!?

KSI in all black outfit to a red backdrop on Britain's Got Talent
KSI will now take over his position as a full time judge (Picture: Dymond/TalkbackThames/Shutterstock)
Ant and Dec
Ant and Dec will again be waiting in the wings as hosts (Picture: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images)

‘And for any late-comers, there’s still time to apply! Click the link and maybe we’ll be seeing YOU on that stage.’

The judging panel is set to look a bit different this year, with YouTuber KSI stepping into Bruno Tonioli’s spot.

Tonioli confirmed earlier this month that he will be stepping back from the upcoming series due to scheduling conflicts with Dancing with the Stars in the US.

Some things never change though and Ant and Dec will once again be waiting in the wings as hosts. KSI will be joined on the panel by the regular show judges Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon.

Metro contacted Simon Cowell’s representative and BGT for comment.

Britain’s Got Talent series 19 is set to air on ITV1 and ITVX in 2026.

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