Britain’s Got Talent ‘plan to hold auditions abroad in hopes of saving the new season from COVID-19 restrictions’
Britain’s Got Talent is reportedly organising auditions for the new season abroad in an attempt to save the show from COVID-19 restrictions.
It has been claimed that contestants are expected to be filmed at locations across the globe to avoid the current Tier 4 rules put in place in London.
Their performances will then be sent back via video link to the celebrity judges in the UK so bosses can still ‘put on a show’, claims The Sun.
Change of plan: Britain’s Got Talent is reportedly organising auditions for the new season abroad in an attempt to save the show from COVID-19 restrictions (judge Simon Cowell pictured earlier this year)
The new plan of action will reportedly save the ITV show from any delays as filming is expected to take place later this month with acts due to perform at the London Coliseum Theatre.
It has been claimed that the new approach will allow for more international acts to participate and will elevate the production value of Britain’s Got Talent.
A source told 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: It has been claimed that contestants are expected to be filmed at locations across the globe to avoid the current Tier 4 rules put in place in London (judges David Walliams, Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell and Alesha Dixon pictured L-R in 2019)
The new production method was already tested during last season’s semi finals when dance crew, X1X, performed death-defying tricks remotely from India.
MailOnline has contacted Britain’s Got Talent representatives for comment.
London and the South East were plunged into Tier 4 lockdown in December to combat the rapid spread of the virus.
It comes after it was reported last week that filming for the new series has been delayed for weeks because of Covid-19 rule changes.
A source told The Sun: ‘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.’
MailOnline contacted representatives for Britain’s Got Talent for comment at the time.
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 after he broke his back in August 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)