when does britains got talent start

Britain’s Got Talent 2026 is set to start on Saturday 21 February 2026 at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX (and STV/Player in Scotland).
Quick Scoop
Short answer:
The new series of Britain’s Got Talent (Series 19, 2026) begins Saturday
21 February 2026 at 7:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Key details
- Start date: Saturday 21 February 2026.
- Start time: 7:00pm (prime-time slot as usual).
- Where to watch: ITV1 and ITVX in the UK; STV and STV Player in Scotland.
- Series: 19th season of the show.
- Follow‑up show: Britain’s Got Talent: Unseen on ITVX after the main episode, and ITV2 on Sundays.
What’s new this year?
- Judges: Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon all return.
- New full‑time judge: KSI joins the panel for 2026 after stepping in around Bruno Tonioli’s departure, and is now confirmed as a full‑time judge.
- Hosts: Ant & Dec continue presenting from backstage, introducing acts and wielding the golden buzzer.
- Golden buzzer: Still in play for standout acts to go straight to the live semi‑finals.
A fun detail: last year’s winner, magician Harry Moulding, took the £250,000 prize and Royal Variety Performance slot, setting up expectations for another big magic or “wow” act this season.
Latest buzz and forum vibes
On fan forums and social spaces, the main talking points are:
- Excitement about KSI bringing a younger, online‑creator energy to the panel and possibly shifting the style of feedback and golden buzzer choices.
- Speculation about format tweaks , especially how much screen time will go to more unusual or internet‑viral‑style acts versus traditional singers and dancers.
- Ongoing debates from earlier seasons about the show feeling “overproduced” or too clip‑friendly, which some fans think might continue as the series leans into social media moments.
“Who’s getting the first golden buzzer this year?” is already a common question in community threads, with many predicting a big choir, a kid act, or an unexpected comedian.
Simple date & channel table
| Item | Info |
|---|---|
| Show | Britain's Got Talent 2026 (Series 19) |
| Start date | Saturday 21 February 2026 |
| Start time | 7:00pm |
| Main channels | ITV1, ITVX (STV, STV Player in Scotland) |
| Follow-up show | Britain's Got Talent: Unseen on ITVX and ITV2 |
Mini FAQ
- Is the date official?
Yes, the 21 February 2026 launch at 7pm is confirmed by major TV outlets and the official promo materials.
- Will episodes be weekly?
The show keeps its usual weekly prime‑time pattern, with auditions rolling out across several Saturdays.
- Where can I watch extra auditions?
Britain’s Got Talent: Unseen offers extra acts and behind‑the‑scenes clips on ITVX and later on ITV2.
TL;DR: Britain’s Got Talent 2026 kicks off Saturday 21 February 2026 at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX , with Ant & Dec hosting and KSI joining the judging panel.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.