KSI became a huge hit as a stand-in on the most recent seriesCredit: ITV
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Simon Cowell with his son Eric who helped him choose the new BGT judgeCredit: simoncowell/Instagram
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Bruno Tonioli quit over his commitments on Dancing With The StarsCredit: ITV
Music mogul Simon was then convinced to give guest judge KSI, 32, a permanent spot on the panel by his little boy who’s a huge fan of the influencer.
A TV insider told The Sun: “Simon’s been friends with Bruno for over 35 years and loved working with him on BGT.
“It was really tough knowing he had to let Bruno go because they couldn’t get the filming dates to work out with his commitments on Dancing with the Stars.
“Simon is always looking for new ways to keep the show evolving and loves to get the opinion of his young son.
“Eric was a big influence for Simon in choosing Bruno’s replacement. He’s obsessed with him and adores him, KSI is Eric’s favourite influencer.
“Plus, he’s been such a hit as a guest judge and Simon recognises they need to keep the show different by moving forward to keep attracting the younger audience.
“Bruno was popular with the grannies, but KSI is for the youngsters.
“KSI has a huge social media presence and Simon knows how important it is to keep the show more modern.”
After being confirmed as the new full-time judge, music artist and boxer KSI said: “I’m so grateful and happy to be a part of the Britain’s Got Talent team for another season.
Watch the shock moment KSI is grabbed by his CROTCH by Britain’s Got Talent act as YouTube star is left speechless
“I had such a good time last year and I can’t wait to see some more top talent.
“I’m full of energy, ready to go, and can’t wait to make this the most entertaining BGT season ever. Let’s do this.”
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Bruno is leaving the BGT panelCredit: ITV
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New judge KSI has already shown that he has a real gift for spotting talentCredit: ITV
Rumours have been swirling that the YouTube star may replace dancer Bruno after making a great impression on his first series
Bruno Tonioli gives his honest verdict on fellow judge KSI(Image: Variety via Getty Images)
Guest judge KSI makes a return to tomorrow night’s Britain’s Got Talent amid rumours ITV are eyeing him up as a permanent fixture. He took a seat on the talent show panel for the first time this series, standing in for Bruno Tonioli when he was working in the US.
Not that Bruno feels threatened. He says he’s a huge fan of the YouTube star. “Well we’re both young, attractive, multi-talented stars, known the world over!” teased Bruno 69. “Joking aside, I think KSI is fantastic. I met him for the first time at the BGT auditions in Blackpool and he was such a delight.
The former Strictly Come Dancing favourite says show boss Simon, 65, has been keeping him on his toes all series.
“Simon is a very mischievous man,” says Bruno. “He always has been. When he has that glint in his eye, you know he’s about to be very cheeky. I think it’s partly this quality that makes him so watchable.
“It’s particularly exciting when the show is live – no one know what’s going to happen next and Simon loves that unpredictability – we all do!
“I have it easy when it comes to being wound up by Simon as I sit on the other end of the judges’ desk, it’s Amanda (Holden) I feel sorry for as she bears the brunt of his naughtiness the most. But she’s been sat next to him for so many years and she knows exactly how to handle him. She’s a pro!”
All five Britain’s Got Talent judges, and presenters Ant and Dec, will feature in tomorrow’s final(Image: ITV)
“That woman (Amanda) is a vision, as is Alesha,” Bruno enthuses. “Amanda and I share the same love of clothes and we both dare to bare. I’ll be baring it for as long as I’ve got it, darling. Well into my 70’s.
“The public always look forward to seeing what the girls are wearing, and they never disappoint. Sometimes I might look at Amanda’s outfit backstage and if her decolletage is deeper than mine, I’ll undo another button on my shirt!”
The latest season of Britain’s Got Talent has triggered a surge of complaints from fans. But judge Bruno Tonioli has recently spoken against the critics in a defiant move.
08:00, 24 May 2025Updated 08:08, 24 May 2025
Bruno Tonioli has issued a defiant response to the BGT criticism
Britain’s Got Talent recently attracted a series of complaints from viewers – but judge Bruno Tonioli has decided not to focus on the criticism and recommends critics “read a book.”
The final of the ITV programme airs on Saturday, May 31st – and judge Bruno Tonioli already knows who has stolen his heart. “We’ve had a variety of talent this year. The Blackouts are insane,” he says.
But it’s drag soprano Jasmine Rice who has his vote. He was so moved by her audition, he hit the Golden Buzzer. “That performance was absolutely incredible for me,” he says, “That was the most surprising, somebody that really rises to the occasion and exceeds all expectations.”
Jasmine, who spoke openly about the rejection she’s faced for performing in drag, struck a deep chord with Bruno, 69. “Being able to be calm and communicate a message without bitterness and with hope, determination – that’s very valid. I found those moments special.”
Still, BGT isn’t without its controversies. Auditions from stuntman Auzzy Blood and nudist Akira both drew Ofcom complaints earlier this year.
The semi-finals added more after Bao Cuong pulled hosts Ant & Dec on a motorbike using only his eyelids. But Bruno shrugs it off. “I don’t focus on the negative,” he says. “Social media? Forget it. ‘Life is too short,’ he adds, ‘Read a book!’”
He’s more concerned about the impact social media can have on younger generations. “If I had kids, I’d be petrified,” he says. “It’s an alternative universe. It can be fun, but we need strict guidelines, especially for children.”
“Shows give you a range of opinions,” he says. “I may have a certain angle but I never said I am absolutely right. I only point things out. That’s why the judges are there. The decision is ultimately made by the public.”
Still, he and Simon go way back. “We’ve been friends for 40 years,” Bruno says, brushing off any on-air tension. “When you’re on-screen, you play a role,” Bruno says. “We’re both very laid-back people, actually. He’s very easy-going. But on TV, you become an extension of yourself.”
That goes for Amanda and Alesha, too. He’s particularly fond of Amanda, whom he’s known for years, but his bond with Alesha also goes beyond BGT.
The pair first met when she competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2007. Back then, Bruno was a judge on the BBC One staple. Alesha eventually joined him on the panel.
“Alesha was one of our best winners. We have the biggest giggles,” Bruno says. “Though I probably exhaust her – I’m always distracting her!”
What keeps Bruno grounded is his own past – he’s stood in the shoes of every hopeful auditioning. “I have done what they do. I have done auditions and failed them,” he says. “But you learn from your failures when you take it as a way of understanding what you should do to improve.”
Bruno says he’s shared decades of friendship with his BGT co-stars(Image: WireImage)
And he knows what it means to stand on the Royal Variety Performance stage – the prize waiting for this year’s winner plus £250,000 cash. “I’ve done it quite a few times over the years,” he says.
“Both as a choreographer and a performer.” He’s even had the chance to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla. “They’re both the most wonderful people,” Bruno says. “And she loves dancing. She has a really good sense of humour, there’s that twinkle in her eye that I find delicious. She’s cool!”
As the final looms, Bruno’s already feeling the heat – and the hilarity. This year’s top acts are a testament to BGT ’s chaotic charm: from LED dance crew The Blackouts to 11-year-old guitar prodigy Olly Pearson.
And when he’s not filming, Bruno enjoys gardening and cooking (Image: ITV)
Bruno’s energy remains undimmed. He’d even love to explore acting – ideally as a villain. “I’d love to do dramas because it’s another part of me,” he says.
“I’d love to play a real baddie. I love Guy Ritchie’s works, they’re brilliant and edgy. But I’m not one of those people that call their agent 25 times a day. I’ve never even had a PR or a social media manager!”
Off-screen, Bruno enjoys a quiet life. “Every Saturday, I’m in my garden. I love gardening, and I cook!” he says. But this Saturday, it’s all eyes on the BGT stage and with the knockout finalists vying for the crown, anything could happen. But who will win the nation’s heart?
