Britain's Got Talent viewers baffled as wildcard act 'missing' from final

'So did they just quietly bin the Wildcard act they do every year?'
Nancy Brown

Britain’s Got Talent viewers were left feeling pretty confused after all 10 acts had performed during Saturday night’s final – because the Wildcard act was nowhere to be seen!

In past series, the judges would introduce a Wildcard act during the final who hadn’t won their semi-final. However, on Saturday night (May 30), there was no reference to an additional performer appearing. And, as a result, fans were left feeling let down.

Amanda Holden on BGT wearing a yellow dress
Amanda and the judges made no reference to a Wildcard act (Credit: ITV)

Britain’s Got Talent scrap Wildcard act

The Wildcard is an act which was initially eliminated at the semi-final stage, but was chosen by the judges to progress through to the final alongside the winners and runners-up of each semi-final.

It was introduced in Series 6. And, each year, the judges have chosen one Wildcard, with the exceptions of series 9 and series 10. Then, there was both a judges’ Wildcard and a public Wildcard, chosen by a public vote.

The Wildcard was scrapped in series 14. But it did return the following year, with Wildcards also appearing in the BGT final in series 16, 17 and 18.

On Saturday night, though, there was absolutely no mention of a Wildcard act appearing in this year’s Britain’s Got Talent final.

And viewers took to social media to demand answers.

Simon Cowell on BGT
In the past, the judges have selected an act who didn’t make it through the semi-finals as a surprise Wildcard (Credit: ITV)

‘Did they just quietly bin the Wildcard act?

“Where’s the Wildcard or did I miss it? asked one baffled viewer. “Any update on the Wildcard?” another asked.

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“I really wish we had a wildcard act this year. They could’ve been one of the best acts in the final depending on who was chosen!” said a third.

“I’m sad that there is no wildcard this year,” said another.

Others held out hope until the final whistle, with one saying: “I think after the last act has performed they will reveal the Wildcard then. Will be strange there’s no Wildcard this year.”

Another asked: “So did they just quietly bin the Wildcard act they do every year?”

Who won BGT 2026?

Britain’s Got Talent 2026 was won by the Hawkstone Farmers Choir. They were supported by Jeremy Clarkson, who brought them together and celebrated from the audience when they were crowned champions of series 19.

Read more: Amanda Holden flashes her pins in thigh-high see-through dress in Britain’s Got Talent final

Catch up on the entire season of Britain’s Got Talent on ITVX now