BGT has been axed this year, ITV has confirmed after feverish speculation.
A statement from the newtwork (containing the longest sentence in the world) has just been released.
It reads: “Despite everyone at ITV, Thames and Syco doing their best to make it happen, and with our absolute priority of safeguarding the well-being and health of every person involved in the programme from judges, hosts and contestants to all of the crew and audience, the decision has been made to – unfortunately – move the record and broadcast of the 15th series of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ to 2022.”
It continued: “‘BGT’ is known for its diversity of talent with big dance groups, wonderful choirs and lavish orchestras at its heart, and it has become clear that not only is it not possible to film auditions with these types of acts in a secure way but also that they are not able to adequately rehearse and prepare safely.
“Safety has to come first and, as a result, the recording of the show can’t currently go ahead as planned.”
Earlier this week, Amanda Holden addressed claims the 2021 series has been axed.
Amanda spoke of the rumours on Heart radio and said she doesn’t think they should do the show without an audience.
What did Amanda say about BGT 2021?
She said: “I personally think that we shouldn’t do it without the fifth judge, which is you guys.
Read more: Britain’s Got Talent new series postponed due to coronavirus, ITV confirms
“We need the people behind us! It’s the one show that does suffer.
“I’ll be honest, we’ve been told it’s on hold but then we’ve been told something different.”
.@AmandaHolden clears up those rumours that @BGT could be cancelled due to COVD 👀@JamieTheakston @ImAshleyRoberts | https://t.co/rvjFrccfvd pic.twitter.com/CX4BDwxkEo
— Heart (@thisisheart) January 26, 2021
Amanda continued: “There are still discussions going on because it’s a big old show and there’s a lot of people that are employed behind the scenes.
“It’s one that kind of needs to be discussed a bit more at length.
“I think the producers are very keen not to let anyone down so I think they’re still under discussion.”
This came after a source claimed it’s “almost certain” the 2021 series will be cancelled.
The insider told The Sun: “Nothing can be ruled out just yet, but it’s not looking good. It’s almost certain to be binned.”
What did ITV previously say about Britain’s Got Talent?
Auditions for the series are usually filmed in January so they’re ready to air in the spring.
However, due to the lockdown, this obviously didn’t go ahead and ITV confirmed earlier this month that they’re following Government guidelines.
An ITV spokesperson said: “The filming for the 15th series of Britain’s Got Talent has been postponed from its proposed record dates in late January.
“With the announcement of the latest Government health guidelines and with our priority of safeguarding the well-being of everyone involved in our programmes we, together with the production teams at Thames and Syco, have taken the decision to move the record and broadcast of the forthcoming series.
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“We will confirm revised dates in due course.”
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