Britain’s Got Talent does not air on Thursday evenings. The show follows a consistent weekend schedule, with primary broadcasts on Saturdays at 7pm on ITV1. Current schedules for April 2026 confirm no episodes are listed for Thursday, April 23, 2026, with the next main slot falling on Saturday, April 25.
Season 19 entered its live semi-final phase during late April 2026, with episodes airing across ITV1, ITV2, and streaming platform ITVX. Viewers searching for tonight’s airing time will find the show returns to its regular Saturday slot, with additional semi-final content appearing on Sunday mornings.
Understanding the broadcast pattern helps viewers plan accordingly, especially during the semi-final stage when schedule variations can occur due to sports programming or other live events.
What Time is Britain’s Got Talent On Tonight?
Tonight, Thursday April 23 2026, Britain’s Got Talent is not scheduled to air on any ITV channel. The programme maintains a weekend-only broadcast pattern during the semi-final phase, meaning Thursday evenings remain unaffected by new episode releases.
The main Saturday broadcast begins at 7pm on ITV1, running for approximately two hours until 9pm. Afternoon reruns appear on ITV2 and ITV2+1, typically starting earlier in the day. Semi-final content also surfaces on Sunday mornings across various ITV channels.
To confirm whether BGT is airing on any given night, consult the full TV listings at mytelly.co.uk. The service provides real-time updates for all UK channels, including ITV1, ITV2, and STV in Scotland.
Quick Reference: Tonight’s Status
Not Scheduled
ITV1
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Off Tonight
Key Facts About BGT Broadcast Times
- Primary broadcast: Saturdays at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX
- Reruns appear on ITV2 and ITV2+1 in afternoon slots
- Semi-finals air across weekends with Sunday morning encores
- Occasional 6:45pm starts noted in promotional materials
- Main episodes run approximately 120 minutes
- Semi-final format follows similar duration with live voting segments
Scheduled Episodes: Late April 2026
| Date | Time (BST) | Episode | Channel | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat Apr 25 | 1:40pm | Season 19, Episode 8 | ITV2 | 65 min |
| Sat Apr 25 | 2:40pm | Season 19, Episode 8 | ITV2+1 | 65 min |
| Sat Apr 25 | 7:00pm | Season 19, Episode 8 | ITV1 London | 120 min |
| Sat Apr 25 | Afternoon | Live Semi-Final 1 | ITV | ~120 min |
| Sun Apr 26 | Morning | Live Semi-Final 1 | ITV | ~120 min |
Schedule information sourced from mytelly.co.uk indicates additional semi-final slots with times listed as approximate entries. The main live semi-final, hosted by Ant & Dec, features advancing audition acts, viewer voting, and the judges’ Golden Buzzer moments.
Why is Britain’s Got Talent Not On Tonight?
Britain’s Got Talent follows a strict weekend broadcasting pattern and does not air on Thursday evenings. During the current semi-final phase, the show concentrates all new content within Saturday and Sunday slots, leaving weekdays without episodes.
This scheduling approach allows ITV to focus promotional effort on weekend audiences while avoiding competition with mid-week programming across other channels. The absence of Thursday episodes reflects the show’s evolution from its earlier years when occasional mid-week slots appeared during audition phases.
Sports Pre-emptions and Schedule Changes
Even on Saturdays, BGT can be displaced from its regular 7pm ITV1 slot when major sporting events require live coverage. In March 2026, the Six Nations rugby match between England and France, scheduled for a 7:20pm kickoff, caused BGT to skip its usual broadcast time. According to Digital Spy, such pre-emptions occur when live sports events take priority on ITV1.
Viewers should check current listings before each weekend, particularly during busy sports calendars. Rugby, football, and other live events can temporarily disrupt the regular BGT schedule without warning.
Semi-Final Phase Scheduling
During the semi-final stage, BGT concentrates broadcasts across weekends to maximise audience engagement with live voting. Sunday morning repeats allow viewers who missed the Saturday broadcast to catch up before the next live event. This pattern differs from the audition phase, which sometimes included Wednesday episodes in earlier seasons.
STV follows the ITV1 schedule in Scotland, though local listings should be verified for any regional variations. Viewers in Scotland can access the same content at the same times via the STV player.
Where to Watch Britain’s Got Talent?
Britain’s Got Talent is available across multiple platforms, ensuring viewers can access live broadcasts and catch up on missed episodes. The primary destination remains ITV1 for live viewing, with additional channels handling overflow and repeat content.
Television Channels
- ITV1 — Main channel for live Saturday broadcasts at 7pm
- ITV2 — Afternoon reruns of recent episodes
- ITV2+1 — Delayed rerun option for viewers who miss ITV2 airings
- STV — Scotland’s equivalent to ITV1, following the same schedule
Streaming Options
ITVX serves as the official streaming home for Britain’s Got Talent. The platform offers live viewing for those unable to access a television set, along with full on-demand access to all episodes. ITVX provides both the main ITV1 broadcast and access to additional content not shown on linear television.
The RadioTimes notes that Season 19 began on February 21, 2026, with the stated aim of becoming “larger and more vibrant,” featuring diverse acts including canine performers and acrobatic troupes. All current episodes remain available on ITVX following their initial broadcast.
Third-Party Listings
For comprehensive scheduling information, mytelly.co.uk provides a detailed UK TV guide specifically for Britain’s Got Talent. This service allows viewers to identify exact times across all channels, including reruns and regional variations that may not appear in standard programme guides.
What Time Does Britain’s Got Talent Finish Tonight?
For episodes airing at the standard 7pm slot on ITV1, Britain’s Got Talent typically concludes around 9pm. This two-hour window accommodates the show’s format, which includes multiple acts, judge deliberations, and audience voting during live semi-finals.
Afternoon reruns on ITV2 and ITV2+1 operate on a condensed 65-minute runtime, editing content to fit a standard hour-long programme slot. These versions remove extended waiting periods and focus on the core performance segments.
2025 Final and 2026 Season Progress
The 2025 Britain’s Got Talent final saw magician Harry Moulding claim the £250,000 prize and secure a slot at the Royal Variety Performance. According to RadioTimes, Moulding advanced through the competition courtesy of KSI’s live Golden Buzzer, which propelled him directly to the semi-finals.
Season 19 features the judging panel of Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI, who replaced Bruno Tonioli due to scheduling conflicts. The hosts, Ant & Dec, continue their long-standing role guiding the competition.
The 2026 final date has not been officially announced. Current listings show semi-finals scheduled for late April 2026, suggesting the final would follow in late April or May, though specific dates remain unspecified in available sources.
Britain’s Got Talent 2026 Timeline
Tracking the progression through Season 19 helps viewers understand where the competition currently stands and anticipate upcoming episodes.
- February 21, 2026 — Season 19 premiere, Saturdays 7pm ITV1/ITVX
- March 2026 — Audition episodes continue; occasional sports pre-emptions
- Mid-April 2026 — Live semi-final phase begins
- April 25, 2026 — Season 19 Episode 8 and Live Semi-Final 1
- April 26, 2026 — Live Semi-Final 1 morning reruns
- Late April/May 2026 — Grand final (dates to be confirmed)
What We Know and What Remains Unclear
Established Information
- BGT airs primarily on Saturdays at 7pm
- No episodes scheduled for Thursday evenings
- Semi-finals run across weekend slots
- Main slots run approximately 120 minutes
- ITVX provides full streaming access
- Season 19 started February 21, 2026
Information That Remains Unclear
- Exact 2026 final date
- Number of semi-final episodes remaining
- Specific times for some afternoon slots
- Whether further sports pre-emptions will occur
- Complete episode rerun schedule beyond April
While the core broadcast schedule remains consistent, certain details depend on ongoing scheduling decisions by ITV. Viewers are advised to check current listings before each weekend to confirm exact times and avoid disappointment.
About Britain’s Got Talent
Britain’s Got Talent has aired annually on ITV since 2007, showcasing amateur performers across music, dance, magic, comedy, and novelty acts. The programme remains one of the UK’s most-watched television events, regularly attracting audiences exceeding ten million viewers during live finales.
Season 19 marks the show’s nineteenth iteration, continuing the format established by creator Simon Cowell. The competition allows viewers to vote for their favourite acts following performances, with judges including Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI providing feedback and triggering Golden Buzzers to advance performers directly to later stages.
For those interested in other major UK sporting events, the When Does Premier League Start – 2026/27 Key Dates resource provides comprehensive coverage of the upcoming football season, while the Rugby World Cup 2027 – Dates Venues Teams Tickets Guide offers detailed information about the international rugby tournament.
What Sources Say About BGT Scheduling
“Britain’s Got Talent airs Saturdays at 7pm on ITV1/ITVX, with a format described as ‘larger, more vibrant’ for Season 19.”
— RadioTimes
“BGT follows a weekend pattern during live semi-finals, with reruns or earlier episodes on ITV2/ITV2+1.”
— mytelly.co.uk TV Guide
“The show skipped its usual 7-9pm ITV1 slot for Six Nations rugby, demonstrating that live sports events take priority over scheduled entertainment programming.”
— Digital Spy
Britain’s Got Talent Tonight: Key Takeaways
Britain’s Got Talent is not airing tonight, Thursday April 23, 2026. The show follows a weekend-only schedule during its semi-final phase, with the next main broadcast occurring Saturday April 25 at 7pm on ITV1. Viewers can access content through ITVX streaming or check their local listings via mytelly.co.uk for the most current schedule information.
For those seeking alternative viewing, the When Does Premier League Start – 2026/27 Key Dates provides information on upcoming sporting events that might appeal to similar audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Britain’s Got Talent on tonight?
No, Britain’s Got Talent is not scheduled for Thursday April 23, 2026. The show airs on weekends only during the semi-final phase, with the next episode on Saturday April 25 at 7pm.
What time does Britain’s Got Talent start tonight?
BGT is not airing tonight. On regular Saturdays, the programme starts at 7pm on ITV1, finishing around 9pm.
Where can I watch Britain’s Got Talent online?
ITVX offers live streaming and full on-demand access to all Britain’s Got Talent episodes. The platform is available via web browsers, mobile apps, and supported smart TV devices.
When is the Britain’s Got Talent 2026 final?
The exact date for the 2026 final has not been officially announced. Current listings show semi-finals in late April, suggesting the final would follow in late April or May.
Why was Britain’s Got Talent not on last Saturday?
In March 2026, BGT missed its usual Saturday slot due to Six Nations rugby coverage. ITV prioritises live sports events over scheduled entertainment programming.
Who won Britain’s Got Talent 2025?
Magician Harry Moulding won the 2025 competition, securing the £250,000 prize and a Royal Variety Performance slot after receiving KSI’s live Golden Buzzer.
What channel is Britain’s Got Talent on?
The main broadcast appears on ITV1. Reruns air on ITV2 and ITV2+1. Scottish viewers can access content via STV. All episodes stream on ITVX.
How long do Britain’s Got Talent episodes last?
Standard ITV1 broadcasts run approximately 120 minutes. Condensed reruns on ITV2 and ITV2+1 typically run 65 minutes.
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.