The Wildcard is an act which was initially eliminated at the semi-final stage, but was chosen by the judges to progress through to the final alongside the winners and runners-up of each semi-final.

It was introduced in Series 6. And, each year, the judges have chosen one Wildcard, with the exceptions of series 9 and series 10. Then, there was both a judges’ Wildcard and a public Wildcard, chosen by a public vote.

The Wildcard was scrapped in series 14. But it did return the following year, with Wildcards also appearing in the BGT final in series 16, 17 and 18.

On Saturday night, though, there was absolutely no mention of a Wildcard act appearing in this year’s Britain’s Got Talent final.

And viewers took to social media to demand answers.

‘Did they just quietly bin the Wildcard act?

“Where’s the Wildcard or did I miss it? asked one baffled viewer. “Any update on the Wildcard?” another asked.

“I really wish we had a wildcard act this year. They could’ve been one of the best acts in the final depending on who was chosen!” said a third.

“I’m sad that there is no wildcard this year,” said another.

Others held out hope until the final whistle, with one saying: “I think after the last act has performed they will reveal the Wildcard then. Will be strange there’s no Wildcard this year.”

Another asked: “So did they just quietly bin the Wildcard act they do every year?”

Who won BGT 2026?

Britain’s Got Talent 2026 was won by the Hawkstone Farmers Choir. They were supported by Jeremy Clarkson, who brought them together and celebrated from the audience when they were crowned champions of series 19.