Bruno Tonioli's Absence from 'Britain's Got Talent' 2025 Auditions Explained
Britain's Got Talent (BGT) enthusiasts were taken aback during the 2025 audition episodes when they noticed the absence of charismatic judge Bruno Tonioli. The seasoned judge, known for his animated critiques, was notably missing from several audition sessions
The reason behind Tonioli's temporary departure was his prior commitment to the U.S. show Dancing with the Stars. Due to overlapping schedules, Tonioli was unable to attend three days of BGT auditions held in Blackpool. Addressing his absence, Tonioli remarked, "Who better than a young, attractive, multi-talented star, known the world over, filling in for another young, attractive, multi-talented star, known the world over! In all seriousness, I can think of no one better to keep my seat warm than the wonderful KSI, even though I spend most of the show out of it anyway… I’ll be itching to get back to the judging panel for another year of laughter, tears and everything in between."
Stepping into Tonioli's shoes was none other than KSI, a renowned YouTuber, musician, and boxer. KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, expressed his excitement about the opportunity: "I'm so excited to be a guest judge for Britain's Got Talent. When I got the call up, I couldn't believe it."
KSI's stint as a guest judge spanned three days of auditions in Blackpool. His presence brought a fresh dynamic to the panel, and his enthusiastic engagement with contestants and audiences alike was widely noted. Regular judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon continued their roles during this period, ensuring continuity in the show's judging process.
Fans had mixed reactions to this temporary change. While some viewers appreciated KSI's energy and called for him to become a permanent fixture on the show, others expressed a strong desire for Tonioli's return. One fan commented on social media, "Can we talk about how good @KSI is on BGT?? make him fulltime and get rid of Bruno." The Irish Sun
Despite the varied opinions, Tonioli's absence was always intended to be short-lived. He resumed his judging duties after fulfilling his commitments in the U.S., bringing back his distinctive flair to the BGT panel. His return was met with enthusiasm, as hosts Ant and Dec announced, "Give him a huge welcome; it's Bruno Tonioli."
Britain's Got Talent continues to captivate audiences with its diverse array of talent, and the brief change in the judging lineup added an unexpected twist to the 2025 season. Fans can look forward to more memorable moments as the competition progresses.
For a glimpse into KSI's experience as a guest judge, you can watch the following video:
