English television presenter and actor Bradley Walsh is reportedly set to step in for Simon Cowell on the Britain’s Got Talent judging panel for the upcoming audition episodes. According to reports from The Sun, production company Fremantle looked to secure a well-known male comedian to fill the guest judge position while Cowell recovers from recent back surgery.
Walsh, widely recognized for hosting the hit game show The Chase, fronting Gladiators, and appearing in Doctor Who, is expected to join returning judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI on the panel. Industry insiders indicate that other prominent comedians, including Lee Mack and Greg Davies, were also considered for the temporary guest judging role before Walsh was selected.
“Bradley will be a brilliant stand-in for Simon and will offer an old-school performer flavor, which will complement the rest of the cast nicely,” an unnamed source told The Sun. “He’s full of wisecracks and great one-liners, so he should have the audience in stitches.”
Why Simon Cowell Is Stepping Down Temporarily
Simon Cowell’s temporary absence stems from ongoing recovery related to a severe back injury sustained during a 2020 electric bike accident at his Malibu home. That incident resulted in long-term nerve damage and required surgeons to fit a metal rod into his spine. Although Cowell has regularly returned to television, he occasionally requires medical procedures and recovery periods that necessitate temporary stand-ins.
This is not the first time Cowell has missed portions of the ITV talent competition due to injury. In 2020, Diversity star and choreographer Ashley Banjo stepped in as a guest judge during Cowell’s initial recovery phase.
What to Expect from Britain’s Got Talent Series 20
Britain’s Got Talent is gearing up for its milestone 20th series, slated to broadcast next year. While ITV has not yet confirmed an exact premiere date, previous series have traditionally launched in February. Audition episodes featuring Walsh are scheduled to be filmed next month.
The upcoming season follows a successful 2026 run that concluded on May 30, where The Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir-initially formed by television personality Jeremy Clarkson to support farming and mental health awareness-made history by becoming the first choir to win the competition. They triumphed in the grand final over drone art act Celestial and dancing dog act Anastasiia & Salsa.
Production teams are currently finalizing contestant lineups, with applications for the 20th series remaining open. ITV continues to invite diverse talent to audition, stating: “Whether you can sing, dance, crack a joke, or balance plates on your head while jumping on a trampoline, you could be our next winner!”
Frequently Asked Questions About Bradley Walsh and BGT
Who is Bradley Walsh replacing on Britain’s Got Talent?
Bradley Walsh is stepping in to replace Simon Cowell on the judging panel during the upcoming audition episodes while Cowell recovers from back surgery.
Why is Simon Cowell missing the BGT auditions?
Cowell is taking a temporary break to recover from back surgery stemming from ongoing health issues following a severe electric bike accident in 2020.
Who are the other judges on the panel with Bradley Walsh?
Walsh will join returning regular judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI.
When will the next series of Britain’s Got Talent air?
Series 20 of Britain’s Got Talent is expected to premiere in early 2027, following a similar schedule to previous seasons.
Has anyone else ever stood in for Simon Cowell on the show?
Yes, dancer and choreographer Ashley Banjo previously stepped in as a guest judge to cover for Cowell during his absence in 2020.
