Reality talent show Britain's Got Talent has been postponed until 2022 owing to concerns brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The show was initially set to begin filming in January. However, the shooting was indefinitely postponed three weeks ago after the UK imposed a lockdown following a rise in coronavirus cases. The show's producers have now issued a statement, saying the show will not take place this year as it is difficult to ensure the safety of the performers auditioning and rehearsing.
"Safety has to come first," they said. "Despite everyone 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."
The show, which is hosted by duo Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, sees hundreds of people performing in front of judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, and David Walliams.
"Britain's Got Talent 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," the producers said.
The iteration of the show in 2020 was won by pianist and entertainer Jon Courtenay. Sign-language choir Sign Along With Us came in second place.