Britain’s Got Talent filming ‘is delayed because of COVID-19 rule changes’

Britain’s Got Talent filming ‘is delayed because of COVID-19 rule changes’ as Simon Cowell prepares to make his return to the panel after back injury

Filming for the new series of Britain’s Got Talent has reportedly been delayed for weeks because of Covid-19 rule changes.

According to The Sun, the auditions were due to be filmed next month with Simon Cowell returning after breaking his back, but they will now not go ahead. 

A source said that acts were due to perform at the London Coliseum between January 17 and 20  but will now have to wait at least another two weeks.

Delay: Filming for the new series of Britain’s Got Talent has reportedly been delayed for weeks because of Covid-19 rule changes

They added: ‘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 has contacted representatives for Britain’s Got Talent for comment.

It comes after London and the South East were put into strict Tier 4 regulations to combat the spread of the virus. 

Change of plan: According to The Sun, the auditions were due to be filmed next month with Simon Cowell returning after breaking his back, but they will now not go ahead

Change of plan: According to The Sun, the auditions were due to be filmed next month with Simon Cowell returning after breaking his back, but they will now not go ahead

Amanda Holden previously confirmed Simon will be returning to the judging panel alongside her and fellow judges David Walliams and Alesha Dixon.

Simon was replaced on the BGT live shows by Diversity star Ashley Banjo following his injury 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.’ 

Change:A source said that acts were due to perform at the London Coliseum between January 17 and 20 but will now have to wait at least another two weeks

Change:A source said that acts were due to perform at the London Coliseum between January 17 and 20 but will now have to wait at least another two weeks

Simon is reportedly considering legal action against the manufacturers of his electric bike after breaking his back. 

The TV mogul, 61, and his team are said to be ‘weighing up’ legal options and have been ‘pressing’ the manufacturers, Swindon Powertrain.

One lawyer claimed that a successful lawsuit could see Simon get up to £10million for medical bills and loss of earnings, The Sun reported.

It comes as a whistleblower from the manufacturers reportedly claimed the £20,000 electric bike an ‘accident waiting to happen’ due to Simon’s lack of training.

They said: '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'

They said: ‘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’

He told The Sun: ‘It should never have been sold to Simon without him being taught how to use it.’

The former employee claimed the Swind EB-01 bike, which can reach up to 60mph and is banned on public roads in the UK, should not be used without specialist training.

The source continued: ‘I said to my boss, “Are you showing Simon how to use this?” He said he was just dropping it off and I said, “Are you serious?”’

They added: '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'

They added: ‘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’