Britain’s Got Talent viewers were left stunned as Simon Cowell was absent from parts of Saturday night’s episode, following the death of Liam Payne.

The ITV show returned with judges Amanda Holden, 54, Alesha Dixon, 46, Bruno Tonioli, 69, and guest judge KSI, 31, while Ant and Dec, both 49, hosted as usual. 

However, Simon’s unexpected absence did not go unnoticed, with KSI stepping in to take his place on the panel.

Announcing the change during one segment of the show, Ant and Dec told the audience: ‘Unfortunately, Simon can’t be with us today, so we have a very special guest judge, KSI.’

Simon, 65, who played a key role in launching Liam’s career with One Direction on The X Factor, has yet to publicly comment, but his absence sparked speculation among fans, with many taking to social media to question his absence.

Taking to X they wrote: ‘Some bgt fans are actually wondering why ksi was there when Simon wasn’t there when ant and dec said Simon was missing. I can explain that but it’s really sad (Simon had to step out because of what happened to Liam from 1D while fliming so ksi filled in for him)’  

Britain’s Got Talent viewers were left stunned as Simon Cowell was absent from parts of Saturday night’s episode, following the sudden death of Liam Payne

 Announcing the change, hosts Ant and Dec told the audience: ‘Unfortunately, Simon can’t be with us today, so we have a very special guest judge, KSI’

‘I think this was the episode where Simon was off due to Liam Payne’s death.’

‘Ahh Simon was off when Liam Payne died #bgt’

Another viewer noted that for Simon to be off, would have meant something serious when they questioned his absence writing: ‘#BGT a show without Simon?!’

Simon took a step back from filming Britain’s Got Talent in the wake of Liam’s death, with guest judge KSI stepping in to take his place.

The former One Direction singer, 31, plunged 45ft from the third floor into the courtyard of the Casa Sur H๏τel in Buenos Aires in October, prompting a wave of tributes from across the world.

Filming for the ITV1 show paused after news broke of Liam’s tragic death, but picked back up days later with Alesha, Amanda, KSI and Bruno on the panel while the mourning music mogul grieved the popstar’s death.

At the time a source told The Sun: ‘This news has hit Simon incredibly hard – he is utterly shocked and devastated.

‘He adored Liam, and was close to his family with whom he is sure to reach out privately. He didn’t feel it was right to continue with filming BGT, and when it resumes on Saturday, does not feel he’ll be in the right head space to continue.

Simon who played a key role in launching Liam’s career with One Direction on The X Factor, stepped down from filming Britain’s Got Talent last October in the wake of Liam’s sudden death 

The former One Direction member Liam Payne died in Buenos Aires at the age of 31 last year when he fell 45ft from the third floor into the courtyard of the Casa Sur H๏τel

Simon’s absence sparked speculation among fans, with many taking to social media to question where he was 

Simon was a judge on X Factor and signed One Direction to his music label, Syco after their stint on the show in 2010 (Pictured left to right: Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan)

‘All the judges and production crew are being hugely supportive.’

It comes after Saturday night’s show left viewers ‘sobbing’ after judge Simon Cowell broke the show’s rules and awarded a second Golden Buzzer.

Each member of the panel is awarded one press of the Golden Buzzer per series, which sends acts straight through to the live semi-finals, but the music mogul was so blown away by ‘incredible’ charity band Electric Umbrella he couldn’t resist.

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The Watford based band featured young singers with learning disabilities and their joyous performance had Simon, Amanda Alesha and Bruno screaming for more.

After Simon broke the rules the Blackpool audience burst into applause as gold confetti fell from the ceiling and he headed onto the stage to congratulate the singers.

As 11-year-old Oliver joined the stage he revealed he wanted to become the best guitarist in the world – adding that he was an admirer of AC/DC’s Angus Young.

The young lad caused a standing ovation and captured judges and guests in attendance with his musical skills.

‘A star is born,’ judge Amanda, 54, said as she immediately commented the performance.

‘I have never seen anything like that before in my life.’

It comes after viewers were left ‘sobbing’ during Saturday night’s episode after judge Simon Cowell broke the show’s rules and awarded a second Golden Buzzer 

Each member of the panel is awarded one press of the Golden Buzzer per series, which sends acts straight through to the live semi-finals, but the music mogul was so blown away by charity band Electric Umbrella he couldn’t resist 

With the crowd raving about Oliver and chanting in unison – they pressured judges to press the famous golden buzzer, until Amanda did.

The little aspiring guitarist jumped with joy as also his parents got very emotional while watching in the audience.

‘You already have your own distinct sound which others spend decades trying to do,’ head judge Simon Cowell said.

‘You’re that good, seriously good. That was BRILLIANT. Good for you!’