Has Britain’s Got Talent been cancelled due to the spread of coronavirus?
BRITAIN’S Got Talent is just one of the shows that will see production affected due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But what does this means for the future of the show and will it still be shown on ITV this year? Here’s what you need to know…
Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Has Britain’s Got Talent been cancelled due to the spread of coronavirus?
Britain’s Got Talent has postponed its live shows due to the coronavirus crisis – but ITV will still air the audition rounds.
The spread of Covid-19 has forced show bosses to act as the virus continues to wreak havoc on the entertainment industry.
A source explained to The Sun Online: “They have no idea when the live shows will take place as it depends on government guidelines and advice. ”
At the moment they would like them to happen in September, but that will entirely depend on how quickly things are back to normal.”
The auditions were filmed across the country in January and February.
In a statement last week, ITV revealed: “The Britain’s Got Talent audition shows are due to be broadcast in the next few weeks as planned.
“We are also working with our production colleagues to see how we can make the BGT live shows work in an ever-changing situation and we will update on this in due course.”
While Carolyn McCall, ITV’s CEO, said: “This week has seen an escalation in the impact of the coronavirus with the Government ramping up measures and recommendations that are having profound implications for people and organisations across the UK.
“All businesses are being deeply affected and ITV is no exception, but as a Public Service Broadcaster we remain committed to doing everything we can to continue to provide news, drama, entertainment and factual programmes to our viewers to keep them informed about this crisis and to offer them an escape from it.”
The Sun Online has contacted a representative for the show for comment.
Has Simon Cowell spoken about the plans to air BGT?
Not yet – Simon Cowell is yet to confirm the exact plans for the show going forward.
A source close the Britain’s Got Talent show said: “Simon has made it very clear that the BGT audience, production team and contestants’ safety is paramount. Obviously, the channel and show production team are in complete agreement.
“Everyone will continue to monitor the situation and Government advice, but ultimately Simon and everyone involved in the show will do the most responsible thing – which could mean pushing back the live shows.”
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The insider continued: “No definitive decision has been made right now but it’s certain if social isolation is still continuing in mid-May, the live shows will automatically be postponed to a later date.
“BGT was always due to begin airing in April as normal – but nothing is set completely in stone now because events are moving so rapidly. Whatever the eventual schedule, when the series does air, everyone hopes it will bring some much needed happiness to everyone at home during these worrying and unprecedented times.”