Britain's Got Talent Christmas Special filming halted after coronavirus outbreak

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(Image credit: ITV / Thames / Syco)

Britain's Got Talent Christmas Special has been postponed...

Britain's Got Talent Christmas Special has been forced to shut down filming after members of the crew tested positive for coronavirus.

The one-off episode of the talent show was due to be aired at Christmas with former contestants returning to the stage for a festive special.

TV tonight Britain's Got Talent

Filming for Britain's Got Talent Christmas Special has been put on hold (Picture: ITV)

But filming has been put on hold for now after three members of the production crew tested positive for the virus before filming begun.

Following the rules 

A spokesperson told The Sun: "As a result of a positive COVID-19 result received yesterday, we have implemented our protocols and a number of crew members are self-isolating at home.

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"As a result we are unable to continue filming Britain's Got Talent Christmas Special today and have taken the decision to postpone.

Britain's Got Talent judges

Britain's Got Talent's Christmas Special will see former contestants take to the stage once again (Picture: ITV) (Image credit: ITV)

"The safety of all those involved in the show is our number one priority.

"We follow extensive COVID-19 related procedures to adhere to all government guidelines."

This year's winner 

This year's series has only just finished, with comedic piano player, Jon Courtenay winning the prize of £250,000.

He also earned himself a place on the Royal Variety Performance.

BGT judges 2020

The Christmas Special of Britain's Got Talent has been put on hold (Picture: ITV) (Image credit: ITV)

Like other TV shows, Britain's Got Talent has been subject to strict changes due to the current pandemic.

Most notably, judges were seen sitting at individual pods two metres apart, instead of at their usual long desk.

There was also the absence of a live audience in the studio, which is usually a huge part of the show.

Instead the audience watched the action on stage via video link up from a wall of television screens behind the judges.

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 


After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off


She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 


As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.