Simon Cowell feared Britain’s Got Talent would be cancelled – but says show helps TikTok stars make it in the industry

SIMON Cowell has revealed that he feared the rise of social media would mark the end of Britain's Got Talent.

The 62-year-old, who created the ITV show, confessed he was once worried that the overwhelming popularity of TikTok and Instagram could plunge the series into a thing of the past.

Elaborating on his admission at a roundtable chat, the music mogul said he was worried people wouldn't come on the show anymore.

He added that he feared people would just use social media networking apps to grow their platforms instead.

"I was thinking a few years ago with all of these social media platforms, because there are so many different areas to become famous," he said.

"I was wondering, 'Well does that mean they're not going to come on our show anymore?'"

Simon, however, says he has seen an increase in those applying for the show.

He added: "Weirdly, it's gone the other way, because if you have a social media following then a lot of people consider coming on a show like this to be the next platform.

"You need both, weirdly, to really pop because there are so many people on social media platforms now trying to get noticed.

"It's been an interesting dynamic over the past few years trying to get noticed. I really noticed that this year."

Fellow judge Amanda Holden thinks the show has become more popular with hopefuls in recent years.

"Experience doesn't always equal recognition and I think there's less snobbery from people now," she said.

"They never saw us as a place to perform before, but they definitely do now."

The new series of Britain's Got Talent premieres on ITV at 8pm on Saturday, April 16.