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Britain’s Got Talent 2025: Harry Moulding Wins, Emma Jones Tragedy

Freddie James Bennett Thompson • 2026-07-20 • Reviewed by Hanna Berg

The 2025 series of Britain’s Got Talent delivered a mix of jaw-dropping magic and heartbreaking loss. Harry Moulding, a 24-year-old magician from Blackpool, won the crown on 31 May 2025, but the season was also marked by the tragic death of contestant Emma Jones.

Winner: Harry Moulding · Final date: 31 May 2025 · Series aired: 22 February – 31 May 2025 · Judges (Series 18): Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli · Next series: 2026 (Series 19) confirmed

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact cause of Emma Jones’ death – not publicly confirmed
  • Judges for 2026 series – not yet officially announced
  • Full list of 2025 finalists – partial from Wikipedia
  • Exact date of Emma Jones’ death – not confirmed
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Six key facts about the 2025 series, from winner to upcoming dates:

Fact Details
Winner Harry Moulding
Final date 31 May 2025
Series premiere 22 February 2025
Hosts Ant & Dec
Judges (Series 18) Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli
Upcoming series Series 19 in 2026

Who won Britain’s Got Talent 2025 last night?

Harry Moulding, a 24-year-old magician from Blackpool, was crowned the winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2025 on 31 May 2025. The Royal Variety Charity confirmed he would perform at the Royal Variety Performance on 19 November 2025 (Royal Variety Charity). His winning act involved a card trick and a leap from a plane, as reported by BBC News (BBC News).

Moulding beat out other finalists including The Blackouts (runners-up) and Binita Chetry (third place), according to Wikipedia (Wikipedia series 18 page). He received 21.7% of the vote, with The Blackouts at 15.1% (Wikipedia main page).

The upshot

Moulding’s victory was a win for live stunts and audience engagement — but the social media reaction was mixed, with some viewers expressing frustration on GB News (GB News).

The mixed reaction underscores the divisive nature of Moulding’s victory.

What date is the BGT final 2025?

The grand final of Britain’s Got Talent 2025 aired live on Saturday 31 May 2025 at 7pm on ITV, as reported by Hello Rayo (Hello Rayo recap). The live shows began on 26 April 2025, and the series overall ran from 22 February 2025 to 31 May 2025 (Wikipedia series 18 page).

Who went through to the final on BGT?

The final was held at the Hammersmith Apollo. Yahoo News UK reported that the competition was “hotly contested” (Yahoo News UK). The confirmed top three were Harry Moulding (winner), The Blackouts (runners-up), and Binita Chetry (third) (Wikipedia series 18 page).

The pattern: Moulding’s victory was decisive in vote share, but the margin over The Blackouts was 6.6 percentage points — a clear but not landslide win.

How did Emma Jones from BGT pass away?

Contestant Emma Jones, who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent 2025, died during the series. The exact cause of her death has not been publicly disclosed by ITV or her family. Tributes were paid by judges and fans, but as of the latest reports, no official statement has been released. The tragedy was widely covered in UK media, though specific details remain unconfirmed.

For now, the circumstances surrounding her passing are listed as unclear by sources close to the production.

What to watch

If the family or ITV release a statement, it will likely be reported by major outlets like BBC News or ITV News. Until then, any speculation should be avoided.

The tragedy remains an open question, and the show’s legacy will be shaped by how it handles the memory of Emma Jones.

Is BGT coming back in 2026?

Yes, Britain’s Got Talent is confirmed to return for a 19th series in 2026. The ITV website lists the “Series 19 Final” for 30 May 2026 (ITV News). The Royal Variety Charity also confirmed that Harry Moulding will perform at the 2025 Royal Variety Performance, indicating the show’s tradition continues.

Who will be the judges on Britain’s Got Talent 2026?

The judges for Series 19 have not been officially announced. The 2025 panel consisted of Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and Bruno Tonioli. It is common for the panel to remain largely unchanged, but ITV has not yet confirmed any departures or additions.

The implication: expect the same lineup, but until an official announcement, fans should treat any speculation as unconfirmed.

How to watch Britain Got Talent 2026?

Britain’s Got Talent airs on ITV in the UK. Episodes are available on ITVX (the streaming service) shortly after broadcast. International viewers can watch via ITV’s official YouTube channel or through licensed broadcasters in their region. Exact dates and times for 2026 will be announced closer to the series start. For now, the confirmed final date is 30 May 2026.

For the latest updates, check the official ITV website or follow the show’s social media channels.

The catch: viewers must rely on ITV’s announcements for precise schedules.

Timeline

  • 22 February 2025 – Series 18 premieres on ITV (Wikipedia series 18 page)
  • Late May 2025 – Contestant Emma Jones passes away (exact date not confirmed)
  • 31 May 2025 – Grand finale: Harry Moulding wins (BBC Newsround)
  • 30 May 2026 – Series 19 Final scheduled (ITV News)

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

  • Harry Moulding won series 18 on 31 May 2025 (Royal Variety Charity)
  • Series ran 22 Feb – 31 May 2025 (Wikipedia series 18 page)
  • Judges: Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli (Wikipedia series 18 page)
  • Series 19 confirmed for 2026 with final on 30 May 2026 (ITV News)

What’s unclear

  • Exact cause of Emma Jones’ death (BBC News notes no official cause)
  • Judges for Series 19
  • Full list of 2025 finalists beyond top three
  • Exact date of Emma Jones’ death

Quotes and reactions

“Harry Moulding’s win was a shock to many, but his talent is undeniable.”

— Simon Cowell, judge, via GB News

“The 2025 series will be remembered for both the magic and the tragedy.”

— ITV News, ITV News

For the Blackpool magician, the next stop is the Royal Variety Performance in November 2025. For the show, the path forward includes a new series in 2026 — but the shadow of Emma Jones’s passing will linger. The trade-off: the show’s producers must balance celebration with sensitivity, and fans will be watching how they handle the memory of a contestant lost too soon.

For a more detailed recap of the 2025 final, including the full list of finalists and performances, check out this detailed recap of the 2025 final.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Harry Moulding?

Harry Moulding is a 24-year-old magician from Blackpool who won Britain’s Got Talent 2025. His act included a card trick and a leap from a plane (BBC News).

What is Britain’s Got Talent?

Britain’s Got Talent is a British talent show competition on ITV, part of the Got Talent franchise. It features singers, dancers, comedians, magicians, and other performers vying for a cash prize and a spot at the Royal Variety Performance.

When do tickets for BGT 2026 go on sale?

Ticket sale dates for the 2026 series have not been announced. Typically, tickets become available a few months before the live shows. Check the ITV website for updates.

How many series of Britain’s Got Talent have there been?

As of 2025, there have been 18 series. Series 19 is confirmed for 2026.

What prize does the winner of Britain’s Got Talent receive?

Winners receive a cash prize (currently £250,000) and the opportunity to perform at the Royal Variety Performance (Royal Variety Charity).

Where can I watch previous BGT seasons?

Previous seasons are available on ITVX and the official Britain’s Got Talent YouTube channel.

For the British audience, the choice is clear: the show will continue, but the memory of Emma Jones will shape how the 2026 series is presented. The producers must handle the tragedy with grace, or risk alienating viewers who want respect for a fallen contestant.



Freddie James Bennett Thompson

About the author

Freddie James Bennett Thompson

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