Britain's Got Talent returns to ITV with a whole host of talented acts on Saturday night but, despite the impressive line-up, the show has lost its magic due to a big change
Since launching in 2007, Britain's Got Talent has captivated viewers with its fast-paced auditions, emotional contestant stories, and dramatic, high-stakes finales.
Traditionally, after auditions aired across the country, fans could enjoy a full week of live semi-final shows from Monday through to Friday, leading up to an exciting grand final over the weekend.
But this year, ITV has made a significant change: the live semi-finals now air just once a week on Saturday nights.
In my view, the move to weekly semi-finals has eroded some of the thrill that once characterised it as judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli and Amanda Holden continue to offer their opinions on this year's contestants.
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The original format built momentum throughout the week, climaxing in a grand finale that felt like a genuine spectacle. Each night, a fresh group of semi-finalists performed live, and viewers felt engaged in the competition's rhythm as they voted for their preferred act to save, reports Belfast Live.
It was intense, and compelling. The stakes seemed higher when results were announced swiftly, and the excitement around each live episode carried over from one day to the next.
Now, with semi-finals spread out weekly, the sense of urgency is lost. The show feels fragmented, with momentum dissipating between episodes.
![The best friends and BGT semi-finalists kicked off Saturday's third live show with an all-new dance routine in the hopes of making it to the grand finale and the chance to win a spot at this year's Royal Variety Performance.]()
Simon Cowell was on hand for another live semi-final of Britain's Got Talent 2025 (Image: ITV/Screenshot) Viewers may lose track of performances from the previous week and forget who's still in the competition. Instead of a captivating, daily television event that takes place over one week in May, we're left with a diluted, protracted series struggling to maintain attention in the era of streaming and immediate content.
Despite the Saturday semi-finals being aired live, the weekly format lends the show an overly produced feel. It appears more like filler TV than a live talent showcase.
Part of BGT's allure was its unpredictability, with acts either excelling or faltering in real time. Now, it seems almost too safe, devoid of the raw energy that once made it unique.
![Hosts Ant and Dec have presented the weekly show]()
Hosts Ant and Dec have presented the weekly show (Image: Dymond/Thames/REX/Shutterstock) In their attempt to prolong the show's lifespan, the producers have inadvertently likely diminished its appeal.
This year's semi-finals have been stretched to a weekly format, and it feels like viewers have seen it all before, with acts that seldom bring anything new to the table.
Britain's Got Talent needs to reignite its sense of occasion. The magic is in the momentum, not the drag. Bring back the week-long live semi-finals - because at present, the magic is dwindling.
Despite my complaints, however, Britain's Got Talent continues to draw in fans eager to witness some of the best acts Britain has to offer.
