Britain's Got Talent Judge Praises Stacey Solomon for Filling in for Simon Cowell

Amanda Holden commends Stacey Solomon's performance after Cowell misses auditions in Birmingham.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden has praised Stacey Solomon for "smashing it" after she filled in for Simon Cowell, who missed two days of auditions for the ITV program in Birmingham.

Why it matters

Cowell's absence from the popular talent competition raised questions about his involvement and the show's continuity, making Solomon's performance as a temporary replacement an important factor in maintaining the program's momentum.

The details

Cowell missed the Birmingham auditions for unspecified reasons, leading the show's producers to bring in Stacey Solomon as a temporary replacement judge. Holden, who has been a long-standing judge on Britain's Got Talent, commended Solomon's work in filling Cowell's role.

  • The Birmingham auditions took place on February 15-16, 2026.

The players

Amanda Holden

A long-standing judge on Britain's Got Talent.

Stacey Solomon

A television personality who temporarily replaced Simon Cowell as a judge on Britain's Got Talent.

Simon Cowell

The creator and long-time judge of Britain's Got Talent, who missed two days of auditions in Birmingham.

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What they’re saying

“Stacey Solomon smashed it as a guest judge on Britain's Got Talent.”

— Amanda Holden, Britain's Got Talent Judge (Manchester Evening News)

What’s next

Cowell is expected to return to the judging panel for the remainder of the Britain's Got Talent auditions and live shows.

The takeaway

Stacey Solomon's successful temporary stint as a Britain's Got Talent judge highlights the show's ability to adapt to unexpected circumstances and maintain its high-quality programming.