Simon Cowell will miss the upcoming auditions for Britain’s Got Talent as he continues recovering from back surgery, forcing producers to bring in a temporary guest judge for the early stages of filming.
The 66-year-old music mogul is expected to miss the Blackpool auditions next month. Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI are scheduled to remain on the judging panel, with a guest judge set to fill Cowell’s seat.
Cowell underwent what has been described as a routine back procedure in September after previously taking time away from America’s Got Talent. His latest absence follows years of back problems stemming from a serious electric-bike accident in 2020 that resulted in major spinal surgery.
Reports say Cowell’s recent operation went well, but his recovery is taking long enough for him to miss the initial Britain’s Got Talent filming schedule. A source cited by British media said Cowell was disappointed to miss the auditions but needed to concentrate on recovering fully.
Producers are reportedly trying to make sure his absence does not extend throughout the entire audition process. Around half of the six-day Blackpool filming schedule is expected to be moved to January, giving Cowell a chance to return later and resume his role as head judge.
The search for a replacement is reportedly focused on a male comedian, although no permanent replacement has been announced. The guest judge would only cover the period when Cowell is unavailable.
Cowell’s absence also comes after he stepped away from America’s Got Talent’s live shows while recovering from the same recent procedure. Guest judges have appeared alongside Howie Mandel, Mel B and Sofia Vergara during his absence.
His history with Britain’s Got Talent makes the development particularly notable. Cowell has been one of the show’s most recognisable figures since its launch, helping shape the judging panel and becoming closely associated with its often blunt audition-room reactions.
The next season is expected to return in spring 2027, meaning producers have several months to accommodate Cowell’s recovery and reorganise filming.
For now, the immediate change is temporary: Cowell is stepping away from the upcoming auditions, while the programme adjusts its schedule and prepares a guest judge.
The bigger question is whether Cowell will be fully recovered in time to return for the later auditions — and whether his absence could change the dynamic of Britain’s Got Talent when the new season begins.
