BGT 2025 — the 18th series of Britain’s Got Talent — returned in February with major format changes, fresh audition locations and a new schedule; the season concluded on 31 May 2025 with magician Harry Moulding crowned winner. The season saw guest-judge KSI step in during auditions, introduced early Blackpool-based auditions, spread semi-finals weekly and revived a companion show BGT Unseen for extra behind-the-scenes content. This article explores what changed in 2025, key highlights, practical take-aways for fans and hopeful contestants, recent trends, and what to watch for next.
What is BGT 2025
Understanding the Basics
Britain’s Got Talent is a long-running UK talent competition show on ITV, created to discover a wide variety of talents — singers, dancers, magicians, acrobats, novelty acts, and more — and give them a shot at nationwide fame. The winner not only claims a cash prize but traditionally performs at the prestigious Royal Variety Performance.
“BGT 2025” refers to the 18th series of the show, which aired between 22 February and 31 May 2025.
What is New in 2025 — Major Changes and Format Shake-Up
Auditions Shift to Blackpool
For the first time in the show’s history, 2025 auditions were relocated from London to Blackpool.
This geographical shift brought fresh energy and perhaps a new vibe to the audition rounds, with hopefuls attending in the iconic Winter Gardens venue for some sessions.
Guest Judge Appearance — KSI Steps In
With judge availability shifting in early 2025 (some taps postponed), internet personality, rapper and boxer KSI served as a guest judge during part of the audition phase.
This introduced a different dynamic to auditions — blending traditional BGT judging with a younger, social-media–savvy perspective.
Revamped Schedule: Earlier Start and Spread-Out Semi-Finals
Unlike previous seasons that began later in spring, BGT 2025 kicked off on 22 February.
Additionally, instead of live semi-finals and finals being aired over one intense week, 2025 spread semi-finals across several weeks (weekly Saturday episodes), culminating in a final on 31 May.
This more relaxed pacing allowed audiences to digest performances more gradually and created sustained engagement across spring.
Return of BGT Unseen — More Behind-the-Scenes Content
2025 saw the revival of a companion show, BGT Unseen, streaming on the network’s digital platform shortly after each main episode. This offered fans extra auditions, candid judge moments, and content beyond the main televised acts.
The Outcome: Winner, Finalists and Public Reaction
Winner and Prize
The winner of BGT 2025 was Harry Moulding, a 24-year-old magician from Blackpool.
He secured the top spot over runner-up LED dance troupe The Blackouts and third-place acrobat 9-year-old Binita Chetry.
As winner, Harry took home a cash prize (reportedly £250,000) and a slot at this year’s Royal Variety Performance.
Finalists and Memorable Acts
The final lineup included a variety of acts: a dance group (The Blackouts), a young acrobat (Binita Chetry), a guitarist, a comedian, a drag-queen opera singer, a choir, singers, and a novelty act.
One standout audition moment earlier in the season: singer Max Fox — previously an audience member — shocked the judges by stepping forward, singing “My Way” in tribute to his late grandfather, earning a Golden Buzzer from judge Amanda Holden and making history as the first audience-to-contestant Golden Buzzer winner on BGT.
Public Response and Controversy
While many celebrated Harry Moulding’s win, some fans expressed frustration online, claiming the dancers of The Blackouts were more deserving and calling the result “a fix.”
Such debates are common with public-vote formats, especially when the winner’s style differs significantly (e.g. magic vs high-energy dance).
Why BGT 2025 Matters — Key Trends, Impacts and Lessons
Trend: Diversity of Talent Is Stronger Than Ever
BGT 2025 underscored that variety acts — not just singers — remain central to the show’s identity. A magician won. A dance troupe was runner-up. A 9-year-old acrobat made the top three. Choirs, drag-performance opera, guitarists, novelty acts and more reached the final. This reminds us that the show’s value lies in celebrating breadth of performance styles, not just conventional singing talent.
Trend: Increased Audience Engagement via Digital Content
The return of BGT Unseen points to how production increasingly values multi-platform engagement. Fans don’t only watch on Saturday evenings; they tune in online for unseen footage, extra auditions, judge banter, and more. This expands the show’s reach beyond linear TV and matches modern content consumption patterns.
Trend: Format Flexibility Responding to Broader Media Scheduling
By moving auditions earlier and spreading live shows across many weeks, BGT adapted to a changing media schedule — avoiding clashes with major sporting events (Six Nations, football finals, Eurovision) and giving more breathing room between episodes. This flexibility may become a template for similar talent shows in a crowded TV calendar.
Impact: New Pathways for Artists and Performers
Harry Moulding’s victory as a magician — and Max Fox’s journey from audience member to buzzer-winner — highlight that BGT remains accessible and unpredictable. For aspiring performers, 2025 demonstrates that unique, non-mainstream acts still have strong potential. The variety of successful finalists could inspire more people to audition with unconventional talents.
Implication: The Emphasis on Story, Emotion, and Novelty
Winning or advancing in BGT 2025 appeared to depend not only on technical skill but on emotional impact, storytelling or novelty. For example, Max Fox performed in memory of his grandfather — a personal story that resonated. Harry’s magic routine combined sleight-of-hand with dramatic presentation. Audiences now seem responsive to originality and narrative as much as to skill.
What BGT 2025 Teaches Viewers and Aspiring Contestants
If You’re Watching as a Fan: What to Keep an Eye On
Try watching both the main episodes and BGT Unseen. The latter offers extra auditions, bonus content and a fuller view of the show’s process.
Notice the variety: you’re not always betting on a singer or a dancer — magic, acrobatics, theatre/stagecraft, novelty and humour remain potent.
Engage in the public conversation: controversies over winners are part of the experience — but they reflect passion for artistry.
If You’re Considering Auditioning: Practical Tips Based on 2025’s Lessons
Think outside the box — BGT isn’t just about singing. Magicians, novelty acts, choirs, physical disciplines (acrobats, dancers) can do well.
Combine talent with a story or emotional hook — something that connects with judges and audience beyond the performance itself.
Be ready to adapt: digital-audition components (for example via video or other modern submission formats) may become more common — like how Max Fox made it through.
Don’t assume that early rounds will be in London — as 2025 showed, audition locations can change (e.g. Blackpool). Always check official announcements.
Make use of companion content (behind-the-scenes shows, unreleased auditions) — this helps you understand what casting directors and producers look for.
Real-Life Examples from BGT 2025
Example: Harry Moulding — Magician Takes the Crown
Harry Moulding’s success exemplifies how magic can beat singing or dancing when combined with flair and stage presence. His semi-final performance included an emotional element (a surprise proposal among audience members) that earned him a Golden Buzzer. In the final, his card tricks impressed judges and public alike — underlining how variety acts remain strong contenders.
Example: Max Fox — Audience Member Turned Contestant
Max Fox’s journey illustrates that BGT sometimes rewards persistence and passion. He came as an audience member but took the plunge, sang in honour of a departed loved one, and secured a Golden Buzzer from Amanda Holden. His story resonated emotionally — a reminder that heart and sincerity still matter.
Example: The Blackouts — Dance Group Nearly Wins Despite Skepticism
LED dance troupe The Blackouts delivered visually stunning, high-energy performances that wowed judges and viewers — and yet finished runner-up. Their near win shows that even top-quality dance acts risk being edged out when public vote or emotion-driven acts dominate; yet their success can still launch post-show opportunities for exposure and touring.
What to Expect Next — BGT in the Future
With auditions for the next season reportedly coming back to major UK cities such as Blackpool (and possibly Birmingham) in late 2025, BGT appears committed to multi-city outreach and wider geographical talent scouting.
We can expect continued format flexibility — perhaps more digital engagement, a mix of audition venues, and companion content designed for streaming platforms.
Moreover, the success of diverse acts in 2025 suggests that future seasons may see even more variety: performance art, cross-genre acts, hybrid performances combining multiple disciplines, and a stronger emphasis on storytelling or emotional impact.
FAQs
What is BGT 2025?
BGT 2025 refers to the 18th series of the Britain’s Got Talent television competition, broadcast between 22 February and 31 May 2025.
Who won Britain’s Got Talent in 2025?
Magician Harry Moulding was crowned the winner of BGT 2025. The runner-up was the dance troupe The Blackouts; third place went to 9-year-old acrobat Binita Chetry.
What were the major changes in 2025 compared to previous seasons?
Major changes in 2025 included audition venues shifting to Blackpool instead of London, guest judge KSI appearing during auditions, a schedule shift with earlier start and weekly semi-finals, and the return of BGT Unseen — a companion show streaming additional audition content.
Can non-singers win BGT? Does variety still matter?
Yes — BGT 2025 demonstrates that non-singing acts still have strong chances. The 2025 winner was a magician; finalists included dancers, acrobats, choirs, drag-opera singers, comedians, and guitarists. Variety remains central to the show’s nature.
How can I audition for future BGT seasons, and what should I know after 2025?
To audition, you can follow the show’s official announcements (via ITV or BGT’s website) — auditions may happen in different UK cities, not just London. It’s wise to prepare a unique act, consider storytelling or emotional elements, and be ready to submit via video or digital formats if required.
To Conclude
BGT 2025 showcased a bold reset for one of the UK’s most beloved talent shows — shifting venues, embracing a broader schedule, introducing new judges, and reinforcing variety over conformity. The success of magician Harry Moulding and other non-traditional acts underlines that authenticity, creativity and emotional resonance often matter as much as — if not more than — raw technical skill. For audiences, BGT 2025 offered entertainment, surprise and renewed faith in the power of diversity in performing arts. For aspiring talents, it opened the door a little wider — a reminder that unique voices and unconventional skills still have a place under the spotlight.
Readers seeking a fuller understanding of British pop culture, sports commentary and public personalities may also find insightful stories in the following related articles:
Alan Hansen: https://londonbreak.co.uk/alan-hansen/
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2025: https://londoncity.news/hyde-park-winter-wonderland-2025/
Adam Henson: https://birminghamjournal.co.uk/adam-henson/
To read more; Londonbreak
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