Hundreds of fans and auditionees had turned up in Birmingham for filming

Britain’s Got Talent has cancelled the first day of auditions for the 2026 series, it has been confirmed.

Show bosses at ITV have said the plug was pulled at the Hippodrome Theatre in Birmingham due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

Hundreds of audience members and hopeful contestants had turned up to discover the day’s filming has been postponed to a future date.

Reports claim head judge Simon Cowell is unwell.

A Britain’s Got Talent spokesperson said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances today’s filming of Britain’s Got Talent has been postponed.”

The first day of Britain’s Got Talent 2026 auditions have been cancelled (Credit: YouTube/ Britain’s Got Talent)

Concerns for Simon Cowell as BGT auditions cancelled

The Britain’s Got Talent cast and crew are due to be filming auditions in Birmingham all week. It is the first venue on their list, with a string of other cities due to host auditions over the coming weeks. Next week, auditions are due to be filmed in Blackpool.

According to The Sun, BGT boss Simon Cowell, 65, is under the weather. And, as a result, today’s auditions were cancelled. A source alleged: “Simon felt unwell in the last 24 hours. Judges often miss the odd audition because they don’t feel great – Simon, for example, has long suffered with migraines.

“But it was decided, as this was the first audition of the series, it was best to postpone – so we could launch with everyone on the panel. He’s on the mend now – and hoping to be fighting fit for tomorrow.”

ED! has contacted Simon’s reps for comment.

Concerns for Simon rang out on social media after the news broke. “Hope Simon’s okay,” said one. “Hope Simon feels better soon!” said another concerned fan.

Simon Cowell suffers from photophobia

The BGT boss previously revealed that he suffers with photophobia, or acute light sensitivity, which can bring on migraines. And that’s why he wears his now-famous red glasses on the show.

“The red glasses are because I have lights in my eyes all day long and it’s like a laser and I get migraines and that’s like a filter. They actually do work,” he said.

He also missed some of the 2024 auditions due to ill health. At the time, he told concerned fans: “For anyone concerned, I missed two auditions at the end of one day, two weeks ago, because I do get migraines after long days in the filming lights. Next week we are filming BGT in Manchester – I look forward to seeing you then. PS. This is why I wear these glasses!”

Britain’s Got Talent lands new judge

Today’s round of auditions was due to be the first day on set for new judge, KSI. The YouTube sensation was announced as a full-time member of the judging panel last month.

The rapper and boxer has been brought in to replace Bruno Tonioli having impressed bosses earlier this year. KSI stood in for Bruno while he was in the US when the 2025 series was being filmed. Bruno has now quit completely due to a clash with Dancing With The Stars, which he is also a judge on.

KSI will now sit alongside Simon, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon for the entire 2026 series when it airs next year.

The star, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, said: “I’m so grateful and happy to be a part of the Britain’s Got Talent team for another season. I had such a good time last year and I can’t wait to see some more top talent. I’m full of energy, ready to go and can’t wait to make this the most entertaining BGT season ever. Let’s do this.”