Bgt winner says show needs 'fresh' new judge as he takes swipe at 2025 panel

Britain's Got Talent star Paul Potts believes the judging panel could do with a "fresh" change, following KSI's duties as a guest judge. Having closely followed this

year's series, the 2007 winner has shared his thoughts on what he has and hasn't liked about the show. Sharing his views on the current judging panel, Paul, 54, suggests that the

show could benefit from an additional judge. When asked if he'd like to see KSI return, he stated in collaboration with Sky Vegas: "I think there is certainly a potential for him

to return as a permanent judge. "I have never heard of him before this year, and I probably don't travel in this circle. "There should be five judges to even things out and

makes things fresh." Paul further suggested that having a fifth judge could assist with decision making during auditions. "It also means when there is a jury vote, then it'll

never be a draw – it has to always go one way or another," he added. The current judging panel includes; Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli. KSI served as a

guest judge during the 2025 audition process and made a return to the semi-final last week. Reflecting on this year's contestants overall, Paul questioned whether the judges made the

correct decision for some acts. The tenor says while it's been "a decent series" with "a good range of talent", there's been "nothing new or fresh".

Reflecting on the semi-finals, he remarked: "I thought Linda Mudzenda did a really good job – but I just think that there are so many acts that are entertaining, besides The Lazy

Generation who are fun, but do they really belong in the semi-final? I'm not sure. "They [the judges] might have pushed out other people who might have had more talent." Paul

also expressed concerns over the use of red buzzers during live shows. After semi-final act RuMac received three red buzzers during his performance earlier this month, the singer said:

"There shouldn't be any red buzzers at this stage of the competition. "If we've chosen the finalists based on their ability, there really shouldn't be a need for

them. "And if there is a need for red buzzers in the live shows, then it raises the question, why are those acts in the final to begin with?". He went on to say he hopes the

producers also make a U-turn on auditions solely being held in Blackpool, instead of various venues across the country. "Just sticking to Blackpool for auditions this year felt,

frankly, a bit lazy," he shared. "I understand that it might have been a cost-cutting idea, even though securing the ballroom wouldn't have come cheaply, however, the limited

outreach doesn't help with the diversity and range of acts." Tonight, the 10 remaining acts will give their all in the hope of scooping the £250,000 prize, and the opportunity to

perform at the Royal Variety Performance. Competitors vying for the top spot include; Vinnie McKee, Stacey Leadbeatter, Ping Pong Pang, Hear Our Voice, Binita Chetry, The Blackouts, Olly

Pearson, Jasmine Rice, Joseph Charm, and Harry Moulding. According to online bookmaker Betway, postal choir group Hear Our Voice are the clear 15/8 favourites to win. Betway spokesperson

Mike Reading stated: "As we head into the Britain's Got Talent 2025 live final this Saturday, all eyes are on vocal powerhouse Hear Our Voice, who have emerged as the clear

favourites to win at 15/8. "Throughout the competition, the 39-strong Post Office choir has struck a powerful chord with the public, delivering emotionally charged performances that

have moved viewers to tears and earned unanimous 'yeses' from the judges." _BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT: THE FINAL AIRS TONIGHT AT 7PM ON ITV AND ITVX. _