Britain’s Got Talent bosses are reportedly set to sign a massive £100,000,000 deal that could see the format of the ITV competition undergo a huge change.
The Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Bruno Tonioli and Alesha Dixon-fronted show, hosted by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, is currently airing its pre-recorded audition stages.
It has yet to be confirmed when the grand final takes place, though it has previously been held in early June, after the series kicked off in April.
But, according to reports, Britain’s Got Talent next year could be extended to three months, as ITV bosses may hope to fill the gap Saturday Night Takeaway has left.
An insider said: ‘BGT has been on since 2007 and viewing numbers are higher than ever — it’s just fans are watching it differently.
‘Having over seven million viewers makes it the most watched entertainment show after I’m A Celebrity.’
They continued to The Sun: ‘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.
‘So BGT’s creators have the upper hand as they strike a new deal.’
The publication notes that the first episode of this series was watched eight million times when it aired and on catch-up, while the ITV show is currently is the biggest entertainment series across any channel so far this year.
It adds that with the new three-month claims, Britain’s Got Talent would include around six Saturdays of auditions, followed by another six of semi-finals before a final, and could even see a Sunday results show.
This comes after Ant and Dec signed off their final Saturday Night Takeaway before going on hiatus.
The Geordie duo, both 48, wrapped up their 20th season of the variety show with a whole host of guests, including the likes of S Club 7, Girls Aloud, Simon Cowell, Dermot O’Leary, Alison Hammond and Holly Willoughby.
And viewing figures for the epic finale have since been revealed, with more than four million viewers tuning into watch.
The extended finale saw a peak viewership of 5.3 million, according to overnight ratings released by ITV, with an average of 4.6 million viewers having tuned in, the broadcaster said.
The launch episode of this series had an average of 4.9 million viewers, with 5.6 million tuning in at its peak.
It was announced last year that this would be the last season of Saturday Night Takeaway ‘for a little while’.
At the time they said the show ‘takes up such a lot of our year’ and they needed a ‘little bit of a breather’, with Ant taking some time to enjoy fatherhood after welcoming his first child.
Metro.co.uk has approached ITV and Fremantle for comment.
Britain’s Got Talent airs Saturdays at 7.30pm on ITV1.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Lorraine Kelly awkwardly asks David Walliams if he’s ‘sorry’ about his Britain’s Got Talent exit
MORE : Susan Boyle looks sensational after glam transformation for rare appearance
MORE : Britain’s Got Talent judge tearful over Golden Buzzer dance act: ‘I know how hard it is’
