Overview

• The judging lineup and hosts appeared on the red carpet at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, with Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, KSI, Alesha Dixon and Ant & Dec greeting fans.
• Cowell returned to filming after missing an earlier session this month, later telling followers on Instagram that he was fine and thanking them for well-wishes.
• A source quoted in tabloid reports said Cowell suffered a bump to the head that triggered a migraine, though he did not disclose a diagnosis himself.
• Producers canceled a day of auditions during Cowell’s absence and drafted Stacey Solomon as a temporary judge alongside Holden, Dixon and KSI.
• KSI has taken over Bruno Tonioli’s role due to Tonioli’s U.S. Dancing With The Stars commitments, and the 19th series is slated to air on ITV1 and ITVX in 2026, according to reports.