Britain's Got Talent announces shake-up to compete with Strictly in tense ratings war
Britain's Got Talent has changed its location as it goes up against Strictly Come Dancing in the Saturday ratings battle.
Britain's Got Talent: Alex Mitchell pays tribute to Rob Burrow
Britain's Got Talent will predominantly film its auditions in the coastal town of Blackpool, infringing on the territory of its BBC dance show competitor.
The BGT judges Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell, and Bruno Tonioli could be filmed in the Tower Ballroom, which Strictly, co-hosted by Tess Daly, uses for the centrepiece Blackpool stage of the competition."
A TV insider said: “Strictly’s annual jaunt to Blackpool is one of the show’s ‘special moments’ and is widely seen as a milestone for the contestants.
“But now that trip will be replicated by its ITV rival, there’s little doubt they’re trying to encroach on their territory. It’s yet another move to take on the dominance of Strictly on Saturday night telly.”
In a newly negotiated £100 million deal between ITV and BGT, producers are discussing extending the show’s duration from seven weeks to nearly three months, mirroring the format followed by Strictly Come Dancing on BBC1 every autumn.
There is some speculation that Davina McCall could replace Amanda Holden on Britain's Got Talent after reports of a shake-up for the ITV talent show.
Davina recently filled in for Amanda while the judge was on vacation in Mallorca, taking over her 6:30-10 am slot on Heart FM.
When plans to rework BGT surfaced, fans wondered if Davina could also take Amanda's role on the show. However, Davina quickly dismissed the speculation, stating that she "couldn't do it."
Davina, 56, revealed: "It’s one thing stepping in for Amanda on Heart, but I couldn’t fill a seat on BGT. I feel that that would be wrong in some way. Amanda is on Heart every day, but BGT is massive. I couldn’t do it!"
Don't miss...
Simon Cowell's new boyband show will be 'unrecognisable' from X Factor [LATEST]
Amanda Holden hailed 'gorgeous' by fans as she wows in white cut-out dress [LATEST]
Britain's Got Talent Bruno Tonioli's replacement 'sealed' as unexpected star [LATEST]
Although Amanda's spot on the judging panel seems safe, fellow judge Bruno Tonioli reportedly had to defend his role on the show after rumours of his axing started circulating.
The shake-up on BGT occurs as executives have acknowledged the necessity of modernising the show's format to align with current viewership trends and increase revenue, even though they claim that ratings are "at an all-time high."
A source told The Sun: "With over seven million viewers, it is the most watched entertainment show after I’m a Celebrity."
Adding: "Stretching BGT over three months could make it even more of a presence.
"Online is where advertisers are now pumping in their money, but to get the clips, they need the show."
