Britain’s Got Talent will see a major shakeup to its format as the show is to secure a £100 million ITV deal.
The huge deal will see the show run extended over three months – airing from February to to May next year.
ITV hopes to make the hit show its crown jewel that could possibly over take Strictly Come Dancing.
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A source told The Sun: “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.”
“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,” they added.
Expanding the shows run will also see it fill the gap left by Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway having come to an end earlier this year.
Recent series have run for seven weeks from mid-April to early June with the live semi-finals spread over five nights in a single week.
The show is coming to the end of its five-year contract in 2025 but is expected to receive a three-year or five-year deal.
ITV believes BGT has huge potential earnings in online advertising with their YouTube channel having 20million subscribers.
The insider continued: “BGT has often, unfairly, been criticised for including a mix of British and foreign acts. But these can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere in the world.
“Compare that to Strictly whose stars are mostly known only to British audiences.”
