Britain’s Got Talent’s future on ITV confirmed after it’s revealed show contract runs out THIS year
THE future of Britain’s Got Talent on ITV has been confirmed after it was revealed show’s contract runs out THIS year.
The show first burst onto our screens in 2007 and has been an annual TV staple ever since.
Over the years, Britain’s Got Talent has thrilled fans with its weird and wonderful acts from across the UK and beyond.
The show has spawned huge stars like Ashley and Jordan Banjo, Susan Boyle, Paul Potts, Sydnie Christmas and of course the late Pudsey the dog.
Hosted by Ant and Dec, the popular talent show has crowned 17 winners, who have all gone onto perform at the Royal Variety Show.
So that’s why it might surprise fans that the future of Britain’s Talent was up in the air.
This was because the contract with ITV was due to come to an end this year.
However, Super TV are reporting that BGT has now been renewed for a further three years, which means it will be on the box until at least 2028.
ITV are yet to officially confirm this, and The Sun have gone to them for a comment.
SIMON TALKS BGT
Meanwhile, Simon Cowell recently told The Sun the real reason behind his “softer” approach to being a judge on Britain’s Got Talent.
The 65-year-old told us last month how the birth of his 10-year-old son Eric changed how he acted towards talent on stage.
It led him to ditch the “nasty” comments he had become known for on Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor.
Simon told The Sun: “Ever since I’ve had a son you start seeing these kids and every time I think ‘god that could be Eric’ – if they’re like, eight, nine, ten, whatever.
“So by that point definitely, that has really had an effect.
“Apart from that, when I watched some of those clips just then it really did remind me that it’s those moments where you get surprised, and that’s what I love about the show.
“That moment where you can just feel everyone is involved and they like it, and it’s going to change that person’s life.
“You don’t know what’s going to happen, other than it’s just going to be good.”
His co-judge Amanda Holden said: “He did go soft for a bit but I feel like he’s coming back now.
“He’s up for it, he would never have let anyone throw things at him – you’ve changed so much, and I do think that’s because you’ve got Eric who throws things at you and jumps on you and all those things.”
Timeline of BGT Winners
Britain's Got Talent has been thrilling fans since it burst onto the scene in 2007.
Here we take a look at all the BGT winners – from the first ever one to the most recent:
2007: Paul Potts – The first ever winner of BGT was opera singer Paul Potts. He saw off competition from Connie Talbot, The Bar Wizards, Bessie Cursors, Damon Scott and Kombat Breakers to win.
2008: George Sampson – In series two of Britain’s Got Talent a young George Sampson wowed judges and viewers with his impressive dance moves.
2009: Diversity – Dance troupe Diversity scooped the BGT crown and beat of competition from singer Susan Boyle, who was strongly tipped to win the show.
2010 – Spellbound: Gymnastic troupe Spellbound really impressed judge Simon Cowell with their stunning routines and incredible stunts in 2010. At the time, the music mogul said: “I can only say on live television that was one of the most astonishing things I have ever seen.”
2011 – Jai McDowall: Viewers were stunned when Jai McDowall won the show in 2011, as young singer Ronan Parke was the favourite to win the series.
2012 – Ashleigh and Pudsy: Ashleigh Butler and her adorable pooch Pudsey stole hearts when they performed in series six of the talent show.
2013 – Attraction: Hungarian shadow artist group Attraction won the seventh series of Britain’s Got Talent. The squad had taken part in the German version of BGT in 2012, however, they had only placed seventh.
2014 – Collabro: Classical music band Collabro faced tough competition in the 2014 final as all the finalist were singers, but they went on to scoop the crown.
2015 – Jules O’Dwyer & Matisse: Dog lovers everywhere could’t get enough of Jules O’Dwyer and pet pup Matisse. The impressive duo even performed on a tightrope to secure their win.
2016 – Richard Jones: Army man Richard Jones became the first magician in the show’s history to win Britain’s Got Talent.
2017 – Tokio Myers: Pianist Tokio Myers impressed the judges with his blend of classical and electronic music.
2018 – Lost Voice Guy: Stand-up comedian Lost Voice Guy, who performs with a speech synthesiser, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was six months old. However, he defied the odds and is a BGT champ.
2019 – Colin Thackery: Veteran army officer Colin Thackery warmed the nations hearts with his singing voice. He was crowned winner of BGT after singing Michael Ball’s Love Changes Everything.
2020 – Jon Courtenay: Singer and pianist Jon Courtenay was Ant and Dec’s Golden Buzzer act. After he won the £250,000 prize he said: “”Just amazing, I can’t believe it.”
2022 – Axel Blake: Comedian Axel Blake scooped the crown after the show was off air for two years during Covid.
2023 – Viggo Venn: The reigning BGT champ is comedian Viggo Venn.