Britain's Got Talent chaos as auditions cancelled after worrying Simon Cowell news

Britain's Got Talent filming has been brought to a halt as Simon Cowell has fallen ill. Auditions for the ITV programme were due to start on Thursday at the Hippodrome theatre in Birmingham, however, they have been cancelled as Simon was not well enough to attend. Although judges occasionally miss auditions for various reasons, it was decided that rescheduling was the best option since this was the first of the series.

An insider told The Sun: "Simon felt unwell in the last 24 hours. Judges often miss the odd audition because they don't feel great - Simon, for example, has long suffered with migraines. But it was decided, as this was the first audition of the series, it was best to postpone - so we could launch with everyone on the panel. He's on the mend now - and hoping to be fighting fit for tomorrow." An official BGT spokesperson confirmed: "Due to unforeseen circumstances today's filming of BGT has been postponed."

Although there were initial fears that the entire week of auditions in Birmingham might be postponed, Simon is scheduled to appear at a red carpet photocall alongside fellow judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and new panel member KSI on Friday.

Members of the public scheduled to appear in the audience were informed of the cancellation this morning via email from the ticket providers.

However, there was confusion on social media as several fans hadn't received an official update.

"So strange how it's cancelled yet bgt haven't said anything," one fan said as another claimed: "No one is answering the phones."

Another asked: "Can we have an update please on bgt auditions. Is just today thats cancelled or all of them. Really poor with lack of communication."

It is believed hundreds of fans arrived at the Hippodrome this morning, unaware that the first audition of the series had been cancelled.

In a kind gesture, the owner of the local pub offered those who planned to attend a free drink with their breakfast orders.

The post said: "Notice to anyone receiving cancellation emails too late this morning: I run The Dragon Inn, J D Wetherspoon across from the Hippodrome.

"Anyone that finds themselves in the area disappointed and unsure, if you show your booked tickets email at the bar inside the dragon we will do a free refillable coffee/tea/hot chocolate with all breakfast orders before 11:30am."