Britain's Got Talent hunts for male comedian to replace Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell has been given a short break from Britain's Got Talent as he takes time off to recover from back surgery.

During this period, ITV is looking for a guest host to replace the music mogul, 66, ahead of the auditions in Blackpool.

Fellow panellists Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI will be joined by a guest judge for the upcoming series which is set to air in Spring 2027.

It has been reported that a male comedian is currently in talks for the gig.

A source told The Sun: 'Simon is of course gutted to be missing the auditions, but it's important that he rests up now so he can make a full recovery.

'It was a routine op that went well and he knows the team will find a fun guest judge to spice up filming and keep the audience on their toes.

'The current thinking is that producers will choose a male comedian to stand in for now, but decisions are being made currently.

'It's quite last-minute, so a lot of talent is already booked up for that period.'

It comes after Simon earlier this month withdrew from America's Got Talent filming in LA, where the surgery took place.

Simon suffered a back injury in 2020 during an electric bike stunt at his home in Malibu, California.

As a result, he underwent extensive surgery, with a metal rod inserted into his back to stabilise it.