Britain’s Got Talent plan to audition contestants abroad in hopes of ‘saving the new season from COVID-19 restrictions’
Britain’s Got Talent are reportedly organising auditions for the new season abroad in a desperate attempt to save the show from COVID-19 restrictions.
Contestants are expected to be filmed at locations across the globe to avoid the current Tier 4 rules in London.
Their performances will then be sent back via video link to the celebrity judges in the United Kingdom, according to The Sun on Saturday.
Change of plan: Britain’s Got Talent are reportedly organising auditions for the new season abroad in a desperate attempt to save the show from COVID-19 restrictions
The new plan of action will hopefully save the ITV show from cancellation or further delay as filming is expected to take place later this month. Acts were due to perform at the London Coliseum Theatre.
According to an insider, the new approach will allow more international acts to participate and will elevate the production value of Britain’s Got Talent.
They said to The Sun: ‘It would get around the fact that acts can’t fly in to take part in the show as they normally do and mean bosses can still put on a show.
‘The format has been commissioned in 58 countries so they have crews. It will have high production value and cinematic feel.’
Social distancing: Contestants are expected to be filmed across the globe to avoid Tier 4 restrictions in London and their performances will be sent to the celebrity judges in the UK
The new production method was already tested during last season’s semi finals when the Indian dance crew, X1X, were unable to return to the UK amid the pandemic.
London and the South East was plunged into Tier 4 lockdown in December to combat the rapid spread of the virus.
A source told the publication the same month that the change of rules had wreaked ‘havoc’ for the show.
They added: ‘Covid’s causing havoc with BGT filming. The producers want to keep viewers entertained and put a smile on people’s faces but the safety of the cast, crew and contestants is the priority.
‘It is at the centre of every decision. A live audience and their reaction is a vital part of the show’s success, too, so producers want to keep that element and, if it all means delays, then so be it.’
Amanda Holden previously confirmed Simon Cowell will be returning to the judging panel alongside her and fellow judges David Walliams and Alesha Dixon this year.
In 2020, Simon was replaced on the BGT live shows by Diversity star Ashley Banjo following a horrific back injury while Amanda was promoted to head judge.
Meanwhile, various guest stars filled in for him on America’s Got Talent, including Kelly Clarkson, 38.
Previously appearing on Loose Women, Amanda said: ‘He is, Mr Cowell is coming back. I spoke to him on the phone a few weeks ago and he feels on top of the world and apparently he looks fantastic as well.
‘So he’ll be back for the new season which we’re filming in January. I can’t wait for it.’
Back to business: Amanda Holden previously confirmed her co-star Simon, 61, will be returning to the judging panel alongside her and David Walliams and Alesha Dixon (pictured in 2018)