Premiering on ITV1 on February 22, 2025, Britain’s Got Talent returns for its 18th season, promising another electrifying showcase of the UK’s most extraordinary acts. From jaw-dropping magic and heart-stopping danger to tear-jerking vocal performances and laugh-out-loud comedy, the world’s most beloved talent competition continues to celebrate creativity in all its forms.
This season, the iconic judging panel—Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell, Bruno Tonioli, and Alesha Dixon—reunites alongside legendary hosts Ant & Dec to discover the next big star. With special guest appearances, including YouTube megastar KSI, Season 18 is set to deliver fresh surprises, golden buzzers, and the signature charm that has made BGT a global phenomenon.
Let’s meet the stars who bring the magic to the judging desk and stage!
Behind the Scenes: Meet the Cast of Britain’s Got Talent Season 18
Amanda Holden as Self – Judge
Amanda Holden, the longest-serving BGT judge, returns with her signature wit and warmth. A household name since joining the show in 2007, Holden’s career spans theater (Shrek the Musical), TV (Wild at Heart), and radio (Heart FM’s Breakfast Show). Her golden buzzer moments—like Calum Scott’s 2015 audition—have become iconic, cementing her role as the panel’s emotional anchor.
Beyond BGT, Holden is a bestselling author (No Holding Back) and a vocal advocate for women’s health. Her playful rivalry with Simon Cowell and heartfelt critiques make her a fan favorite, blending glamour with genuine compassion.
Simon Cowell as Self – Judge
Simon Cowell, the sharp-tongued mogul who created BGT and its global franchise, remains the show’s driving force. Known for his brutal honesty and game-changing “golden buzzer,” Cowell’s influence extends to The X Factor and America’s Got Talent. His knack for spotting stars—from Susan Boyle to Diversity—has shaped pop culture for decades.
Detail: Britain’s Got Talent Season 18: UK release date, cast, trailer and news
In 2025, Cowell continues to balance his trademark sarcasm with softer moments, especially as a father to son Eric. His dynamic with Bruno Tonioli (“the new David Walliams”) adds fresh chaos to the panel, proving Cowell’s enduring reign as TV’s most iconic judge.
Bruno Tonioli as Self – Judge
Bruno Tonioli, the flamboyant Strictly Come Dancing legend, brings his unbridled energy to BGT for a second season. Famous for his wild gestures and Italian exuberance, Tonioli’s transition from dance critic to all-round talent judge has been a hit, with his 2024 golden buzzer (a Ukrainian contortionist duo) breaking the internet.
Tonioli’s resume includes Dancing with the Stars and choreographing for Madonna and Elton John. His cheeky banter with Holden and Cowell injects the panel with spontaneity, making him the show’s unpredictable wildcard.
Alesha Dixon as Self – Judge
Alesha Dixon, the panel’s “Queen of Positivity,” returns with her infectious enthusiasm and trendsetting style. A former Strictly Come Dancing champion and Mis-Teeq singer, Dixon has been a BGT staple since 2012, championing underdogs like 2023’s shadow-dance sensation.
Off-screen, Dixon balances music, motherhood, and her children’s book series (Star Switch). Her radiant energy and knack for spotting viral talents (remember Axel Blake?) keep her critiques both uplifting and insightful.
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly as Self – Hosts
Ant & Dec, the nation’s favorite presenting duo, return for their 18th BGT season. The Geordie icons, who’ve hosted since the show’s 2007 debut, are synonymous with its charm, seamlessly guiding acts through triumphs and disasters.
Beyond BGT, their empire includes I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and a record 23 National Television Awards. Their camaraderie and quick wit—like Dec’s playful jabs at Ant’s coffee addiction—remain the show’s glue.
Peter Dickson as Self – Announcer
Peter Dickson, the booming voice behind BGT’s iconic “It’s time to face the judges!” returns for another season. Dickson’s gravelly tones have opened the show since 2007, becoming as legendary as the acts themselves.
A veteran voice artist, Dickson’s credits include The X Factor and Eurovision. His dramatic intros set the stage for magic, proving that even unseen, he’s a vital part of the BGT family.
KSI as Guest Judge
YouTube titan KSI (Olajide Olatunji) joins as a guest judge, blending Gen Z appeal with his trademark humor. The rapper-boxer-entrepreneur, known for Sidemen and Prime energy drinks, previously stunned audiences with a surprise performance in 2023.
KSI’s judging debut promises viral moments, as his social media savvy (60M+ followers) and unfiltered takes (“That was dead!”) clash with Cowell’s old-school critiques. A crossover hit in the making.
With its mix of nostalgia, fresh faces, and jaw-dropping talent, Britain’s Got Talent Season 18 is set to keep the nation glued to their screens. Tune in to ITV1 on February 22, 2025—because you never know where the next superstar will come from.
