Former Britain's Got Talent judge in talks to return to ITV show after 16 years

Piers Morgan could return to Britain's Got Talent as a guest judge for its 20th anniversary in 2027, while Bradley Walsh reportedly replaces Simon Cowell.

ITV bosses are reportedly in talks with Piers Morgan on a return to Britain's Got Talent for the 20th series in 2027 <i>(Image: ITV/PA)</i>

(Image: ITV/PA)

Britain’s Got Talent bosses are looking to bring back a former judge after 16 years.

Producers are hoping to bring back original judge Piers Morgan to the show for its 20th anniversary series in 2027.

Talks are reportedly under way to feature the well-known TV star, who last appeared on the show in 2010, as a guest judge during the auditions.

And it would not be the only change on the judging panel for the next series.

Piers Morgan could return to Britain's Got Talent in 2027

A source told The Sun: "A 20th anniversary extravaganza is in the works as producers work out which familiar faces to bring back to celebrate the huge milestone.

"Simon, Piers and Amanda had such fun chemistry.

"The idea would be to bring Piers back as a guest judge for the January auditions.

"Then the former acts, like Susan Boyle and Paul Potts, would appear later in the year for the live shows."

Mr Morgan judged alongside Simon Cowell and Amanda Holden for the first four series before leaving to host a US chat show.

He is not the only star ITV bosses want to bring back for the show's 20th anniversary, with Paul Potts and Susan Boyle among those being considered for a return

Paul Potts won the debut series in 2007, and Susan Boyle finished second in 2009.

It would not be the first time former contestants have returned.

For the 10th anniversary in 2017, returning performers included Diversity and Stavros Flatley.

ITV has been contacted for comment.

Bradley Walsh to fill in for Simon Cowell on Britain's Got Talent

Piers Morgan returning would not be the only judging change in the next series of Britain's Got Talent.

Bradley Walsh is set to take Simon Cowell's seat on the judging panel for some of the next series, according to reports.

The TV presenter, known for hosting The Chase and Gladiators, will fill in for Cowell during some of the auditions.

He will join regular judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI on the panel.

Cowell is stepping down temporarily due to a back operation, following injuries sustained in a 2020 electric bike accident that led to long-term nerve damage and a metal rod being fitted in his spine

A source, speaking to The Sun, said: "Bradley will be a brilliant stand in for Simon and will offer an old school performer flavour, which will complement the rest of the cast nicely.

"He's full of wise cracks and great one liners so should have the audience in stitches."

Comedians Lee Mack and Greg Davies were also reportedly considered for the guest judging role.

It is not the first time Cowell has missed part of the show due to injury; in 2020, Ashley Banjo stepped in as a guest judge during his absence.

When is the next series of Britain's Got Talent?

Britain’s Got Talent will return for its 20th series next year, though an exact start date has not yet been confirmed.

This year’s series began in February, and a similar launch date is expected for 2027.

Applications for BGT 2027 are still open but will close on Friday, October 16.

ITV said: "Whether you can sing, dance, crack a joke or balance plates on your head while jumping on a trampoline, you could be our next winner!

"So, don't hesitate, apply today."

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Who won Britain's Got Talent in 2026?

The Hawkstone Farmers' Choir, initially formed by Jeremy Clarkson to support farming and mental health awareness, won BGT 2026.

The choir beat Celestial (drone art) and Anastasiia & Salsa (dog act) in the final, held on May 30.

It was the first time a choir has won BGT.

Have you applied for series 20 of Britain's Got Talent? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.