Filming stopped on 'BGT' Christmas special after crew members test positive for COVID-19

Filming on Britain's Got Talent's Christmas special has been postponed after crew members tested positive for COVID-19.

Shooting on the special edition was stopped after at least three people working on the programme tested positive for the coronavirus before the first day of filming.

A spokesperson for the show said: "As a result of a positive Covid-19 result received yesterday we have implemented our protocols and a number of crew members are self-isolating at home.

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“As a result, we are unable to continue filming our BGT Christmas Special today and have taken the decision to postpone.

“The safety of all those involved in the show is our number one priority and we follow extensive Covid-19 related procedures to adhere to all government guidelines.”

It had not yet been confirmed what format the Christmas special will take.

The 2020 series of the programme concluded at the weekend with comedy song writer and performer Jon Courtenay winning the £250,000 prize and a spot at the Royal Variety Performance.

Voting figures from ITV stated he won 35.7% of the votes during the live final on Saturday night. Second place act, the Sign Along With Us choir, picked up 15.3% while third place variety performer Steve Royle wasn't far behind with 14.1%.

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To keep in line with health and safety protocol, the semi-finals and final did not have a live audience as usual as the show instead used a "virtual audience" of people watching from home for contestants to perform to.

In addition, judges sat behind their own separate desks instead of one desk as is typical on the programme.

Watch: BGT winner Jon Courtenay has his Royal Variety Performance song sorted