Simon Cowell issues plea to Prince William live on-air after royal dig

Simon Cowell suggested Prince William could join Britain’s Got Talent as a fifth judge during the ITV show’s live semi-final.

Britain’s Got Talent was disrupted as judge Simon Cowell made an appeal to Prince William.

This occurred after the ITV talent show kicked off with a rendition of Revolting Children from the Matilda Musical. Following the hosts Ant and Dec’s introduction of Simon, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI, Dec mentioned how Amanda was “nearly stranded” before the show.

She almost missed the live broadcast after chatting with Prince William on the Isle of Scilly alongside her Heart Breakfast co-presenter, Jamie Theakston, reports the Express. The trio were worried about the tempestuous conditions, which posed a threat to the Royal’s helicopter departure.

After the Prince of Wales observed: “You’re getting a bit worried, aren’t you, Jamie?” the panellist responded: “I’m supposed to do Britain’s Got Talent, but I’m thinking if you’re still here, we could just do it live.”

Amanda chipped in: “You could be like a fifth judge.” Prince William accepted, saying: “Let’s do it,” as he quipped: “I can do it better than Simon.”

This caught the veteran judge off guard, who then begged for the Royal to make it a reality. As the audience winced at the savage dig, Ant declared: “Someone’s after your job, Simon.”

Meanwhile Amanda noted: “That’s going to be a bit awkward if he’s at the Royal Variety.” Without missing a beat, the 66-year-old shrugged: “Doesn’t matter.”

When Amanda enquired: “Do you think he could be a good fifth judge?” Simon replied: “Brilliant! Come on, let’s do it. Come on, please.” The live audience then erupted in agreement, as Ant also addressed Prince William and said: “Your Highness, the chair is always here for you.”

In a bid to persuade the monarch, Simon interrupted: “We will make a special throne for you.”

While numerous acts have auditioned impersonating members of the Royal Family, this would mark the first occasion a working member of the Royal Family might potentially join the judging panel.

They typically become involved at the competition’s climax, when a victor is declared and subsequently performs at the annual Royal Variety show, which Prince William and Catherine attended last year.

Alongside a place at the variety show, the winner is also vying for a life-changing £250,000 cash prize.

Britain’s Got Talent’s live 2026 final will air at at 7pm on Saturday, May 30.