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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Katherine Heslop

Britain's Got Talent 2023: Start date, new judges line-up and how to apply

The build up to this year's season of Britain's Got Talent has officially begun, with the auditions starting at the London Palladium yesterday.

The ITV talent show is now in its 15th season, and this year marks a major change, with former Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli replacing David Walliams after ten years.

The show has launched the careers of stars such as Dancing on Ice judge Ashley Banjo, singer Susan Boyle and Ashleigh and Pudsey.

Now, wannabe stars across the UK are hoping to scoop the £250,000 grand prize, and perform at the Royal Variety Performance.

The London auditions are continuing this week, then moving to Salford, in Greater Manchester at the beginning of February.

New BGT judge Bruno Tonioli makes his debut (Dymond/Thames/REX/Shutterstock)
He replaces David Walliams (PA)

Here is all you need to know about the next series.

BGT start date

So far, no air date has been announced, but it's likely the show will launch in April.

Last year, it began on Saturday, April 16, with the finale on Sunday, June 5.

BGT didn't air in 2021 due to Covid, and the 2020 show was shown in two sections, but it kicked off in April, and then started again in August.

Both the 2019 and 2018 series aired in early to mid April.

Judging line-up

The new judging panel with hosts Ant & Dec (PA)

Simon Cowell and Amanda Holden, who have been on the panel since the beginning, are returning, as is Alesha Dixon, who has been a judge since 2012.

Former Strictly veteran Bruno made his debut as a judge yesterday, following Little Britain star David departing after a decade.

Yesterday, co-host Declan Donnelly, who returns with Ant McPartlin, introduced Bruno via Rocky soundtrack Eye of the Tiger.

Dec said: "We’re so excited to be back! We’ve got a bit of a change this year, a brand new judge on the panel!"

"I am thrilled to be here, look at these girls, they’re stunning," Bruno gushed as he gestured over to fellow judges Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon. "And my old friend Simon, what an honour it is to work with you, finally. He’s teased me with this for years and years, I tell you. I’m thrilled to finally be here. I’m very emotional and I’m very, very nervous."

Alesha quipped: "I think you should have a go at pushing the buzzer, welcome to the show!"

After pressing the buzzer, Bruno grinned as he said: "Oh, that was easy! I love that!"

Simon Cowell arrives for the first day of auditions (GC Images)
Ant McPartlin is enthusiastically greeted by a fan (Tim Merry/Daily Mirror)

Last year, David apologised for 'disrespectful comments' he made during filming breaks about BGT contestants in 2020.

How to audition

The chance to audition in person for this season has now gone, but you can still apply via video, WhatsApp or by post, on the Cast it Reach website.

For the first time, you can also secretly nominate a group or someone special you think deserves to show their talent to the world, by filling in an application form on their behalf.

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