Bradley Walsh looks set to replace Simon Cowell for BGT auditions
It follows Simon's surgery on his back
As excitement is hotting up for the next series of Britain's Got Talent, with the auditions due to start very soon, it has now been reported that a very famous face will be stepping in for Simon Cowell as he recovers from surgery on his back.
It was reported earlier this month by The Sun that it looked likely that Simon wouldn't be in attendance for this year's auditions. A source told the publication: "Simon is of course gutted to be missing the auditions, but it’s important that he rests up now so he can make a full recovery.
"It was a routine op that went well and he knows the team will find a fun guest judge to spice up filming and keep the audience on their toes."
At the time the show hadn't decided on a replacement for Simon, however it now seems that they've settled on Gladiators co-host Bradley Walsh, although it's understood two comedians are also in the running.
On 26th September, The Sun reported a source saying: "Bradley will be a brilliant stand in for Simon and will offer an old school performer flavour, which will complement the rest of the cast nicely. He’s full of wise cracks and great one liners so should have the audience in stitches."
Along with Bradley, comedians Lee Mack and Greg Davies are also reportedly being considered for the guest judging role.
READ MORE: Britain’s Got Talent - Everything we know so far about the 2027 series
While nothing has been confirmed yet, fans will be eager to find out who will be taking on the guest role, alongside KSI, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon in series 20. Auditions are due to start on 12th October 2026 in Blackpool, with tickets still available through ApplauseStore.com. And applications are still open to take part in the show!
All judges auditions for the 2027 series will take place at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, with the live shows expected to take place at Eventim Apollo in London - but this hasn't been confirmed yet.
Now take a look at all the BGT winners so far:
Paul Potts
Paul Potts won the very first show in 2007 with his hugely impressive singing abilities.
George Sampson
Break dancer George Sampson won the show in 2008 at the age of just 14-years-old.
Diversity
Dance group Diversity won the show in 2009, with Ashley Banjo going on to become a TV presenter.
Spellbound
The 2010 series also saw a dance group win in the form of Spellbound, pictured here performing with singer Katherine Jenkins that year.
Jai McDowall
Singer Jai McDowall won the show in 2011.
Ashleigh and Pudsey
Dog performing act Ashleigh and Pudsey were winners of the 2012 series. However, Pudsey sadly passed away in July 2017.
Attraction
Another dance group won over the public in 2013, as Attraction used shadows and puppets to create beautiful spectacles - pictured here with actor Terry Crews.
Collabro
Singing group Collabro wowed viewers in 2014 with their performances of musical theatre songs.
Jules and Matisse
Britain's Got Talent saw its second dog act winner in 2015 with Jules and Matisse.
Richard Jones
Magician Richard Jones won the hearts of the nation in 2016.
Tokio Myers
Pianist and music producer Tokio Myers won the show in 2017, pictured here with BGT judge Amanda Holden.
Lost Voice Guy
Lost Voice Guy, real name Lee Ridley, won in 2018.
Colin Thackery
Colin Thackery won Britain's Got Talent 2019 with a heartwarming performance of 'Love Changes Everything'.
Jon Courtenay
Comedy singer Jon Courtenay was crowned the winner of the 2020 series! Jon was a favourite from his very first audition, picking up Ant and Dec's Golden Buzzer!
Axel Blake
Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer act, comedian Axel Blake, was crowned the 2022 winner of Britain's Got Talent, beating the likes of ventriloquist Jamie Leahy and singer Tom Ball.
Viggo Venn
Norwegian comedian Viggo Venn won the 2023 series of Britain's Got Talent with his high vis jacket inspired routine. He said he was happy to have captured 'Simon's heart' as well as the nation's.
Sydnie Christmas
Sydnie Christmas won the 2024 series of Britain's Got Talent, the singer who dreams of performing on the West End told Ant and Dec: "I cannot believe the amount of love that I've felt since it aired. I am overwhelmed with love and it is the most amazing thing.
"And I wish for one day that every single person in this room feels the way I do one day with this love. It's amazing, thank you so much!"
Harry Moulding
Magician Harry Moulding was crowned the winner during series 18 in 2025! He said: "I can't believe what is going on. Thank you, thank you everyone so so much. I genuinely feel like everyone has been behind me. This has been the most incredible journey."
The Hawkstone Farmers' Choir
Hawkstone Farmers Choir won Britain's Got Talent 2026, taking the £250,000 prize and a Royal Variety Performance slot after winning over one million public votes. They became the first choir ever to win the show, with an original song about the mental health pressures facing farmers and a message of support for anyone struggling.
Author: Anna Sky Magliola
Anna Sky Magliola is a Digital Content Editor at Rayo, creating content for brands including Hits Radio, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. She began her career at Bauer Media in 2007 and has spent almost two decades creating engaging digital content for millions of readers, specialising in music news, celebrity interviews and TV features. A passionate dance music fan, Anna Sky has travelled the world to experience some of the biggest festivals and is always looking for the next great music story.