Britain’s Got Talent returned to ITV on Saturday night for the 2026 live final. Ant and Dec were at the helm of the show, as judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI took to the judging panel one more time.
The final show was made up of 10 performances with a whole host of acts fighting it out for a final time with a chance to win £250,000 and a place in the Royal Variety Show. From a magician and poet to a fire-juggler and comedian, there was plenty for fans to look forward to. The line up included Matty Juniosa, Anastasiia and Salsa, LMA, Fabian Fox, Liwei Yang, Ted Hill, Sonny Green, Rafferty Coope, Celestial and The Hawkstone Farmers Choir. However, fans noticed one thing missing – the Wildcard.
In previous years, judges have selected one act to make a triumphant return to the competition. However, as Ant and Dec spoke to the judges before the first act this evening, there was absolutely no mention of it.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one fan fumed: “So did they just quietly bin the Wildcard act they do every year? #BGT”
Another echoed: “I’m sad that there is no wildcard this year. #BGT.” And one more penned: “Doesn’t look like there’s a Wildcard Act this year,” followed by a crying emoji.
Someone else suggested: “I think after the last act has performed they will reveal the wildcard then. Will be strange there’s no wildcard this year. #BGT.” Express.co.uk have contacted ITV for comment.
The singer, who took the crown in the very first series back in 2007, has remained a devoted viewer ever since and has not been afraid to speak his mind about the show.
Celestial are drone show performers who craft immersive spectacles through LED storytelling. Given the nature of their act, their semi-final performance was pre-recorded for safety, technical and timing purposes – something Paul believes could create an uneven playing field.
Weighing in on the golden buzzer, which they received in both their audition from Amanda Holden and by all four judges in the semi-final, Paul said: “The golden buzzer also takes power away from the audience. In the past, viewers had more influence over who progressed. I also thought the situation with Celestial was controversial.”