Bradley Walsh Replaces Simon Cowell on Britain's Got Talent Amidst Auditions
Walsh confirmed as guest judge for the upcoming season as Cowell recovers from surgery.
Bradley Walsh has stepped in as a replacement for Simon Cowell on Britain's Got Talent for the show's current audition rounds. Walsh, 66, shared a behind-the-scenes video from the first day of live auditions in Blackpool, indicating a smooth transition into the role.
"Here we are. It's the first morning on BGT. It's going well, I'm enjoying it. Amanda, Alesha and KSI are so lovely to work with," Walsh said in the clip shared on the show's official Instagram account. Fans have responded positively to the news, with many commenting their good luck wishes and expressing confidence in Walsh's performance on the judging panel.
The new series of Britain's Got Talent is slated to air in Spring 2027. Fremantle, the production company, is reportedly considering moving about half of the six filming days at Blackpool's Winter Gardens to January. This adjustment would allow Simon Cowell, 67, to still participate as head judge despite his recovery.
Cowell was forced to withdraw from the auditions as he recovers from back surgery. A source close to the show indicated that while Cowell is disappointed to miss the auditions, his priority is a full recovery. The production team is actively seeking a guest judge to fill the remaining filming days.
This situation follows Cowell's earlier withdrawal from America's Got Talent filming in Los Angeles, where his surgery took place. He originally broke his back in 2020 in an electric bike accident at his home in Malibu, California. The accident required extensive surgery, including the insertion of a metal rod to stabilize his spine, and led to a significant lifestyle overhaul.
Cowell has previously spoken about the severity of the accident, revealing to podcast host Elizabeth Day that his surgeon had expressed concerns he might never walk again. The surgeon reportedly warned him the operation could take up to 11 hours and that there was a risk it could go wrong. Cowell described the incident as a "wake-up call" that prompted him to reassess his previously "crazy" lifestyle and reduce risks.
Reflecting on the accident itself, Cowell explained that his e-bike performed a large wheelie due to the throttle's power, causing him to be thrown several feet into the air. He landed on his back and immediately felt he had broken it, though he confirmed he could still move his hands and feet. Despite the initial fears of paralysis, Cowell has stated that he is now in better physical condition than before the crash.