ITV has confirmed reports that Britain's Got Talent has been dropped this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Last year the show was forced off air as the UK entered lockdown but managed to return in the autumn to stage its semi-finals and final.

This year, auditions had been due to start in London this month - although England is now in a full-scale lockdown which is unlikely to lift until March at the earliest, making production of the show effectively impossible.

A spokesperson said: "Despite everyone at ITV, Thames and Syco doing their best to make it happen, and with our absolute priority of safeguarding the well-being and health of every person involved in the programme, from judges, hosts and contestants to all of the crew and audience, the decision has been made to - unfortunately - move the record and broadcast of the 15th series of Britain's Got Talent to 2022.

"BGT is known for its diversity of talent with big dance groups, wonderful choirs and lavish orchestras at its heart, and it has become clear that not only is it not possible to film auditions with these types of acts in a secure way but also that they are not able to adequately rehearse and prepare safely.

"Safety has to come first and, as a result, the recording of the show can't currently go ahead as planned."

BGT is ITV's second biggest returning show in the calendar, behind only I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!