Britain's Got Talent 2026 handed ratings blow amid warning series is in 'Dancing On Ice territory'
Many viewers reckon the show could face the axe…
Britain’s Got Talent series 19 launched over the weekend, reportedly to the lowest ratings in the show’s history.
Simon Cowell and co were back on Saturday night (February 21) to put another batch of hopefuls through their paces.
However, as complaints about the acts poured in, viewers appeared to clock out, with the show reportedly suffering its lowest-ever ratings.
Britain’s Got Talent 2026 handed huge ratings blow
Over the years, BGT has brought in massive audiences of between six and 10 million viewers per series. But, according to reports, Saturday night’s launch show pulled in just three million viewers.
Admittedly the Winter Olympics was on the BBC, potentially stealing viewers away from BGT. And the figures don’t include ITVX streaming. However, in what could be a blow to show bosses, the debut episode saw viewership plummet by approximately 1.5 million compared to last year.
Super TV tweeted: “RATINGS! Britain’s Got Talent got off to a disastrous start for its 19 series, as just 3 million viewers tuned in. It’s the lowest rating ever recorded for the show, down over 1.5 million on last year and HALF of what it got just four years ago.”
ITV has been contacted for comment.
‘We’re in Dancing On Ice territory here’
As a result, viewers have warned that it’s “straying into Dancing On Ice territory” and nearing the axe…
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“These shows have just had their day. Simon learnt the hard way with The X Factor, it declined quite rapidly over the final few years, The Voice gets about three viewers and now BGT joins the ranks,” said one.
“It’s the same every series!” complained another. “A person thinks their dog can sing. School pretends to be from Nativity!. Tricks that have been shown millions of times but judges pretend they’ve never seen it. All fake.”
“It has had its time,” said another. “Everyone knows it’s staged now.” “It needs to be put out to pasture,” said another.
“We are in Dancing On Ice territory here,” said another ominously. “It’ll be interesting to see if it gets a boast next week with no Olympics.”
Read more: New BGT judge KSI sparks backlash with his behaviour as he makes panel debut
How to get tickets to the Britain's Got Talent live semi-finals
Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI have returned to the judging panel, with Simon's Golden Buzzer sending contestant Paul Nunnari through to the next round.
But how can you get tickets to be in the audience of the live semi-finals?
Britain's Got Talent 2026 – how to get semi-final tickets
Applause Store handles ticket requests for Britain's Got Talent.
The ballot isn't open yet, but those wanting to be in the audience of the show can register for more details here.
The website states: "Register right now for your free audience tickets to be there LIVE, and once we can release the show dates, we will email you!"
No one under the age of eight will be admitted. And anyone aged between eight and 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are free
If you want to watch the BGT live semi-finals, you'll enter into a ballot to win tickets.
Tickets are free. And Applause Store has a warning for anyone who tries to sell their tickets on: "Applause Store operates a completely free ticket service. However, it has been brought to our attention that some people have been selling/advertising our free tickets on various web sites including Ebay. We take this matter very seriously.
"Anyone found to be selling their ticket allocation will instantly make them void and may also face formal proceedings against them. If you have bought or know anyone advertising our free tickets for sale, please let us know immediately."
When do the BGT 2026 semi-finals start?
ITV hasn't announced the start date yet. However, using the 2025 series as a guide, the live shows should start around April 25.
This would mean the final of Britain's Got Talent 2026 would air on Saturday May 30.
