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Stacey Solomon has been showered with praise by Simon Cowell. The former X Factor hopeful turned popular television presenter stepped in for Simon during the Britain's Got Talent auditions in Birmingham while the head judge was forced to sit out due to illness.

She took her place alongside Amanda Holden, KSI and Alesha Dixon on the judging panel, having previously auditioned for Simon herself on the ITV singing competition back in 2009.

Speaking at ITV Showcase 2026, Simon said: "I think Stacey Solomon was incredible." Amanda joked: "We loved her. I think the thing is Simon really liked me sitting in his seat."

Simon continued: "I've noticed whenever I'm off you can't wait to get to get on that chair. She joked: "I use one less cushion."", reports the Mirror.

Show bosses drafted in Stacey to prevent the sessions from being cancelled, and she earned widespread admiration for her warm, empathetic manner with contestants. She hit her golden buzzer for Braunstone Community Primary School from Leicestershire during her temporary tenure on the panel.

The youngsters delivered a rousing rendition of All Things Bright And Beautiful before breaking into a freestyle dance routine set to a medley of rave classics.

Stacey was utterly captivated by the act's infectious energy and sheer joy, sending them straight through to the live semi-finals. They will perform once again before the nation tonight (Saturday, May 2), with Stacey having delighted pupils by making a surprise visit to the school last week.

Former head teacher Halil Tamugus, who featured in the audition as Mr T and devised the concept, told the Mirror: "Stacey's a good friend of ours now, we back her fully, and she backs us. And she came into the school as well, she made a surprise visit last week. It was great.

"She came in, she gave us a little bit of a pep talk to believe in ourselves, and, you know, give it our best shot, but to really enjoy it. And the kids really bought into that, and they buy into her, so, yeah, it'll be amazing to see her again at the Semis.

"When Stacey pressed the Golden Buzzer, it took me probably 30 seconds longer than everybody else to actually process what was going on. It was just a complete shock.

"We weren't expecting it. It wasn't the reason we went on the show. The reason we went onto the show was just to share and spread some joy."

The school ravers go head-to-head with Alfredo and Coral, Fabian Fox, Katherine O'Malley, Macshane and Delby, Nic Vani, Sadeck Berrabah and LMA and World Wings.

Alongside the exhilarating acts, BGT's series 17 winner Sydnie Christmas returns to perform, with an "extra-special" appearance from the Great Ormond Street Hospital Choir.

The choir, comprising hospital staff and volunteers, receives support from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) charity patron and BGT's very own Simon.

Britain's Got Talent continues Saturday, May 2 at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX