Cowell's 'BGT' semi-final return confirmed

Simon Cowell will return to the semi-finals of 'Britain’s Got Talent' later this month, ITV has confirmed today.

The judge, 51, who is launching the US version of 'The X Factor', decided not to take part in the audition stages of this year’s show.

ITV has tweeted Cowell’s return date to the TV talent contest, being judged by Amanda Holden and newcomers David Hasselhoff and Michael McIntyre.

The broadcaster said: “Simon Cowell will return for the Britain’s Got Talent semi-finals, starting Monday 30 May.”

Cowell recently defended the ITV1 show after reports that ratings had slipped in his and former judge Piers Morgan’s absence, and said that rumours that Hasselhoff faced the axe were “ridiculous”.

He said: “I know this is a good show. I think the talent is better this year than last year.”

'The X Factor', Cowell’s other British show, has faced questions about its future after viewers’ favourite Dannii Minogue confirmed she would be absent from the judging panel this year.