Covid means this year's talent show is off

Britain’s Got Talent has officially been cancelled for 2021.

Producers of ITV talent show, which has given big breaks to comics such as Daliso Chaponda, Lost Voice Guy and Nabil Abdul Rashid, say the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic has made this year’s season impossible,

The hit show had already been postponed by the broadcaster and producers Thames and Syco due to safety concerns.

A statement today said: ‘Despite everyone at ITV, Thames and Syco doing their best to make it happen, and with our absolute priority of safeguarding the well-being and health of every person involved in the programme from judges, hosts and contestants to all of the crew and audience, the decision has been made to – unfortunately – move the record and broadcast of the 15th series of Britain’s Got Talent to 2022.

‘BGT is known for its diversity of talent with big dance groups, wonderful choirs and lavish orchestras at its heart, and it has become clear that not only is it not possible to film auditions with these types of acts in a secure way but also that they are not able to adequately rehearse and prepare safely.

‘Safety has to come first and, as a result, the recording of the show can't currently go ahead as planned.’

Other comics to have been showcased by the show in recent years include Robert White, John Archer,  Barbara Nice - and last year’s winner Jon Courtenay.

Published: 29 Jan 2021