Overview
- Simon Cowell, who pulled out of the Blackpool audition dates reported on Sunday, is continuing to recover from a recent routine back procedure that sources say went well.
- ITV and production company Fremantle are searching for a temporary guest judge for the Blackpool sessions and are reportedly favouring a male comedian for the short-term role.
- Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI are expected to remain on the judging panel during Cowell’s absence, with a guest joining them for the audition round.
- Fremantle has reportedly moved roughly half of the planned six Blackpool filming days into January to increase the chance Cowell can take part later in the series.
- Cowell’s leave follows an earlier absence from America’s Got Talent for the same back issue, leaving his appearance at the imminent AGT finale unconfirmed and prompting producers to use rotating guest judges and adjusted schedules.