Fans of Britain’s Got Talent can mark their diaries - as the return date for the long-running ITV show has finally been revealed.
The hit show, helmed by head judge Simon Cowell, 64, has been on the air since 2007 and the 2024 season will mark the seventeenth edition of the show. Simon will be rejoined by hosts Ant and Dec and fellow judges Amanda Holden, 53, Alesha Dixon, 45, and Bruno Tonioli, 68, to find the best singers, comedians, dancers and more in the annual talent hunt.
Fans of the long-running talent show have been eagerly waiting for the return date to be unveiled - as fans will note auditions have already long been held around the UK for the 2024 season. And now the wait is almost over - with the new season just a couple of weeks away.
On Wednesday, the start date for the new season was revealed as Saturday 20 April 2024 - with the first episode of auditions due to air from 7:30pm and will run until 8:55pm. The show will be back with a bang - with almost an hour and a half of performers and judgements as well as the possibility that one of the judges, or even the show hosts, will tap their golden buzzer to send one contestant straight through to the live semi-finals without the other judges needing to vote.
And fans can mark the full weekend for BGT fun - as the second episode of the season is due to air the very next evening on Sunday 21 April 2024 at 7:40pm. Fans of the show should brace themselves for plenty of non-UK talent - as many contestants have travelled from around the world to audition in front of Simon, Amanda and the others.
A source previously explained to The Sun: "People know the show often features foreign acts - some of them are utterly brilliant and, in many cases, go on to win the contest. But it’s a surprise to think that the cream of the crop who are sent through on golden buzzers are often from other countries."
The winner of Britain’s Got Talent receives a cash prize of £250,000 and the chance to performa the Royal Variety Performance - where they will be able to show off their skills in front of a star studded audience that includes members of the Royal Family. The Royal Variety Performance traditionally takes place at some point in December - with the 2024 date yet to be confirmed.
Bruno joined the line-up of BGT judges last year - and is thrilled to be back on the panel for the 2024 season. He told the Radio Times: "I had a ball, partly because I had never seen it before. It's true! Simon has teased me to death about it. I didn't even watch Strictly – I don't watch shows that have a judging panel because I don't want to be influenced by another judge. I just want to do my own thing. But I had the best time. It's a proper variety show and the range of talent is incredible."
Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.