Britain's Got Talent to return in 2022 on ITV

"Despite everyone at ITV, Thames and Syco doing their best to make it happen, and with our absolute priority of safeguarding the well-being and health of every person involved in the program, from judges, hosts and contestants to all of the crew and audience, the decision has been made to – unfortunately – move the record and broadcast of the 15th series of Britain's Got Talent to 2022," ITV said in a statement.

"BGT is known for its diversity of talent with big dance groups, wonderful choirs and lavish orchestras at its heart, and it has become clear that not only is it not possible to film auditions with these types of acts in a secure way but also that they are not able to adequately rehearse and prepare safely. Safety has to come first and, as a result, the recording of the show can't currently go ahead as planned."

The recording of series was due to begin in late January, though despite TV and film production being allowed to film during the lockdown, the huge scale of BGT's production has made filming difficult amid current situation of pandemic.

Last year's series was also disrupted by the pandemic, airing its auditions in the spring before rescheduling the live shows until late summer.