What time is Britain’s Got Talent on tonight is one of the most searched questions every Saturday evening. The nation’s favourite talent show has been a staple of weekend television since 2007. Therefore, millions of viewers tune in each week to watch the auditions unfold.
With a new judge on the panel and the live shows approaching, fans want to know exactly when to settle in front of their screens. As a result, here is everything you need to know about BGT’s schedule for 2026.
Britain’s Got Talent Start Time Tonight
Britain’s Got Talent typically airs on Saturday evenings on ITV1 and ITVX. The show usually starts at 7:00 PM and runs for approximately 85 minutes. Therefore, episodes typically finish around 8:25 PM [citation:2][citation:5].
For the 2026 series, the audition episodes have followed this consistent schedule. Viewers can expect the programme to begin at 7pm on ITV1, ITVX and STV in Scotland [citation:3][citation:6]. As a result, you can plan your Saturday evening around the show.
The show is followed by Lee Mack’s The 1% Club at 8:25pm, making for a full evening of ITV entertainment [citation:5]. Therefore, Saturdays are packed with popular programmes.
Television schedules help plan weekends. Stories such as Come Dancing show how regular programming becomes part of family routines.
How to Watch Britain’s Got Talent
You can watch Britain’s Got Talent live on ITV1 and STV in Scotland. The show is also available to stream on ITVX, the broadcaster’s on-demand platform [citation:2][citation:3]. Therefore, viewers have multiple options to catch the action.
For those who miss the live broadcast, episodes are available on ITVX shortly after they air. Moreover, repeats are shown on ITV2 at various times throughout the week. As a result, you can catch up at your convenience.
For more information about ITV’s schedule, visit the official ITVX website.
Streaming platforms offer flexibility. Stories such as Beyond Paradise Cast show how viewers consume content across different devices and times.
Britain’s Got Talent 2026 Judges
The judging panel for Britain’s Got Talent 2026 features Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon. They are joined by new full-time judge KSI, who replaced Bruno Tonioli [citation:4][citation:5]. Therefore, the panel has a fresh dynamic this year.
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly return as hosts, guiding contestants and viewers through each episode. Their chemistry and humour have been central to the show’s success. As a result, they are as beloved as the acts themselves.
The prize remains £250,000 and a coveted slot at the Royal Variety Performance [citation:4]. Therefore, contestants have life-changing incentives to perform their best.
Talent judges shape show dynamics. Stories such as Amanda Holden show how individual panel members become fan favourites.
Britain’s Got Talent Schedule 2026
Britain’s Got Talent 2026 began on Saturday, February 21 at 7pm [citation:8][citation:10]. The audition episodes have been airing weekly on Saturday evenings. Therefore, the series runs for approximately four months [citation:4].
Unlike previous years when live shows aired nightly across one week, the semi-finals now air weekly. This change was introduced last year to build excitement over a longer period [citation:4]. As a result, the competition stretches across several weeks.
The confirmed live show dates for 2026 are as follows [citation:1]:
Semi-Final Schedule:
• Semi-Final 1 – Saturday, April 25
• Semi-Final 2 – Saturday, May 2
• Semi-Final 3 – Saturday, May 9
• Semi-Final 4 – Sunday, May 17 (moved due to Eurovision)
• Semi-Final 5 – Saturday, May 23
Grand Final – Saturday, May 30
Live schedules can change due to other events. Stories such as Primark Opening Times show how bank holidays and special events affect regular programming.
When Is Britain’s Got Talent Not Airing?
There are some dates when Britain’s Got Talent does not air in its regular Saturday slot. The episode on March 14 was not broadcast due to ITV airing live coverage of the final weekend of the 2026 Six Nations Championship [citation:4][citation:5]. Therefore, fans should note schedule changes.
Semi-Final 4 has also been moved to Sunday, May 17. This change is because the Eurovision Song Contest final airs on Saturday, May 16 [citation:1][citation:4]. As a result, BGT fans should mark their calendars for the Sunday broadcast.
Always check your local listings for the most up-to-date information. ITV’s schedule can change due to live events and breaking news. Therefore, it is worth confirming before settling in to watch.
Schedule changes can cause confusion. Stories such as Kate Garraway Announcement Today show how viewers stay informed about programme updates.
What to Expect in the Live Shows
The live semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent begin on April 25. Each semi-final features a selection of the best acts from the auditions. Therefore, competition will be fierce.
Viewers at home vote for their favourite acts to send them through to the final. The judges’ golden buzzer also returns, sending acts directly to the live shows. As a result, there are multiple paths to the final.
The grand final takes place on May 30, where one act will be crowned champion. The winner receives £250,000 and a performance slot at the Royal Variety Performance. Therefore, the stakes are high.
Live competitions create drama and excitement. Stories such as Lewis Strictly Come Dancing show how live shows captivate national audiences.
How Long Is Britain’s Got Talent On?
Britain’s Got Talent 2026 is likely to be on for about four months, similar to last year. The series started in February and will conclude at the end of May [citation:4]. Therefore, viewers have months of entertainment ahead.
This extended run is a change from previous years when the show aired in April and finished in June. The earlier start allows ITV to build excitement over a longer period. As a result, the live shows have become bigger events [citation:4].
Each audition episode runs for 85 minutes, while live shows may have different lengths. Always check your TV guide for exact timings. Therefore, plan your evening accordingly.
Television seasons vary in length. Stories such as Alan Titchmarsh show how long-running programmes evolve over time.
Why the Schedule Change in 2026?
ITV moved Britain’s Got Talent to a February start last year for the first time in its history. The change was designed to “hit that family audience” according to Lily Wilson, commissioning editor for entertainment at ITV [citation:4]. Therefore, the earlier slot attracts more family viewers.
The live semi-finals now air weekly rather than nightly across one week. This format makes the live shows “a much bigger event” [citation:4]. As a result, each semi-final receives more attention.
This schedule continues in 2026, with live shows stretching from late April to late May. Fans have embraced the change, with viewing figures remaining strong. Therefore, the new format appears successful.
Format changes can improve programmes. Stories such as Adam Frost show how evolution keeps long-running shows fresh.
Britain’s Got Talent on Other Days
While the main episodes air on Saturdays, Britain’s Got Talent content is available on other days. Britain’s Got Talent: Unseen follows the main programme on ITVX and airs on ITV2 on Sundays [citation:10]. Therefore, fans can enjoy extra content.
Repeats of episodes also air on ITV2 throughout the week. These reruns are typically shown in the afternoon. As a result, viewers who miss the Saturday broadcast have multiple chances to catch up.
For viewers in Australia, the show airs on Channel Seven on Thursday evenings [citation:7]. Therefore, international fans can also enjoy BGT.
International broadcasts expand audiences. Stories such as Gorka Márquez show how British talent shows reach global viewers.
Conclusion
What time is Britain’s Got Talent on tonight? The answer is 7:00 PM on ITV1 and ITVX. The show runs for approximately 85 minutes, finishing around 8:25 PM. Therefore, you can plan your Saturday evening around the nation’s favourite talent competition.
With live semi-finals beginning April 25 and the grand final on May 30, there is plenty of BGT action ahead. Consequently, fans have weeks of entertainment to enjoy.
Remember to check your local listings for any schedule changes, especially around Eurovision and other live events. As a result, you won’t miss a moment of the action.
FAQs
What time is Britain’s Got Talent on tonight?
Britain’s Got Talent typically starts at 7:00 PM on ITV1 and ITVX, running until approximately 8:25 PM.
How can I watch Britain’s Got Talent?
Watch live on ITV1, STV or stream on ITVX. Repeats air on ITV2 throughout the week.
Who are the judges on Britain’s Got Talent 2026?
Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI.
When are the BGT 2026 live shows?
Semi-finals begin April 25, with the grand final on May 30, 2026.
Why isn’t BGT on some Saturdays?
The show may be preempted by live events like the Six Nations Championship or Eurovision Song Contest.
How long is Britain’s Got Talent on for?
The 2026 series runs for approximately four months, from February to May.
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