Britain’s Got Talent is facing ‘huge delays’ after bosses decided to postpone the first auditions due to Covid restriction changes.
The ITV show was due to start filming in January but with much of the country in the highest Tier 4, the restrictions brought upon by the coronavirus pandemic has meant this has been put back.
It has been reported that a desire to have a live audience at the auditions has been a driver in this, as producers feel this is an important part of the BGT package.
Simon Cowell was thought to be making his return to the judges’ tables after breaking his back, which saw him miss the live finals of the previous series, with Diversity’s Ashley Banjo stepping in.
(Image: ITV)
The 61-year-old was due to fly in from Los Angeles but will now stay home as the auditions at the London Coliseum between January 17 and 20 have been postponed for at least two weeks.
The acts were due to perform in front of a socially distanced audience but Covid rule changes have meant that this is now not possible.
A show source has told The Sun that Covid is “causing havoc” with the BGT filming schedule.
They said that the “safety of the cast, crew and contestants is the priority” and this is “at the centre of every decision.”
(Image: ITV)
The source added that “a live audience and their reaction is a vital part of the show’s success” so this has meant that producers have been prepared to delay filming until this is possible.
Amanda Holden had revealed that Simon Cowell would be joining her in the judging panel once again and that the ITV show would also welcome back fellow judges David Walliams and Alesha Dixon for another the new season.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at [email protected] or call us direct 0207 29 33033.
Originally from https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/britains-talent-facing-huge-delays-23232457