The former Strictly judge is reportedly at risk of being axed from Britain's Got Talent, with Simon Cowell said to be considering replacing him
It's rumoured that Simon Cowell is contemplating a change on Britain's Got Talent's judging panel by possibly replacing Bruno Tonioli. According to reports, the talent show mogul has been eyeing potential new members for subsequent series on ITV.
Bruno, the former Strictly Come Dancing judge who is 69-years-old, joined the BGT team in 2023, taking over from David Walliams. This year, he's returned for his third series alongside judges Simon, aged 65, Alesha Dixon, 46, and Amanda Holden, 54.
Nonetheless, during instances where Bruno couldn't make it to auditions, KSI, the 31-year-old content creator also known as JJ Olatunji, filled in for him. Viewers have previously expressed their desire to see KSI, who had a guest appearance earlier in the series, take over Bruno's role permanently on the judging desk after an enthusiastic response to his contributions.
Persistent calls from fans for KSI to become a permanent fixture come amid some criticism directed at Bruno. KSI will be making a comeback to the panel for this weekend's live semi-final, with one enthusiast commenting on X: "At last KSI is back.. keep him", reports the Mirror.
It follows previous criticism aimed at Bruno earlier in the season. Audience members voiced their opinions online, with one stating: "Anyone want Bruno replaced with KSI permanently or just me? Bloke does my absolute head in."
Another fan remarked: "Was really hoping Simon would have fired Bruno and brought in KSI for the remaining live shows." In light of these reactions, Closer magazine say Simon is pondering additional changes to the BGT judging lineup going forward.
An insider allegedly informed the publication that Simon might be "growing a bit fed up" with Bruno's "antics" on the programme. According to reports, a source has claimed that Simon is becoming increasingly annoyed with Bruno's behaviour on Britain's Got Talent.
The source stated: "With the X Factor no longer on air, BGT has become Simon's baby, and he is obsessed with the show. Bruno's currently in his third year as a judge, but there are already rumours that Simon is growing a bit fed up with his antics and recently summoned him to his house in the Cotswolds for a meeting."
Additionally, the source suggests that Cowell is eager to bring KSI, a prominent YouTuber and member of the Sidemen, on board for the next series of BGT. They revealed: "Simon's said to be keen to get KSI signed on for next year's series."
KSI has already filled in for Bruno at auditions in Blackpool earlier this year, while Bruno was filming Dancing with the Stars in the US. Furthermore, KSI has also stepped in for Simon on the show.
Just last week, BGT host Dec Donnelly, 49, announced KSI's return to the judging panel at the end of the latest live semi-final. Dec also confirmed that the show would air on Saturday, as is the norm for the new series, stating: "We'll be back on Saturday with KSI joining the judging panel."
Britain's Got Talent airs Sundays at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
