Simon Cowell recently addressed the speculation that Bruno Tonioli is being replaced on Britain’s Got Talent following reports that Alan Carr could take over
KSI is said to be joining the Britain’s Got Talent team as a judge.
In an unlikely move, the YouTuber is being lined up to step in for Bruno Tonioli during some of the auditions because the 68-year-old Strictly star is expected to miss some dates due to his commitments in the US on Dancing with the Stars, and show boss Simon Cowell is keen to get the 30-year-old boxer-and-rapper on board to appeal to a young audience.
The ITV talent competition typically runs from April to June, but filming dates are set to shift so that it can be screened in place of hosts Ant and Dec’s other show, Saturday Night Takeaway, which came to an end earlier this year.
A source told The Sun of Simon’s interest in KSI: “Simon Cowell knows KSI is a huge hit with the younger generation. He would be a great addition to pull in teenage fans, which is something the producers are keen to do. KSI is chatting to bosses in the hope of agreeing a deal that would also work with his hectic schedule.”
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It was initially suggested Bruno would have to leave the show entirely because of the new filming dates, with Alan Carr tipped to replace him on the panel alongside Simon, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon.
KSI is said to be joining the Britain’s Got Talent team as a judge (
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But Simon has now spoken out, saying: “I don’t know where all this stuff comes from. I spoke to the producers literally two weeks ago about there [being] a scheduling issue with Bruno. Because we’re doing the auditions – some of the auditions – this year and he’s going to be in America. So maybe there’ll be a stand-in for him. I don’t know. But I love Bruno on the show. I think he’s brilliant.”
Speaking to his co-star Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston on Heart Breakfast, doting dad Simon added: “He knows so much about what he’s talking about. And actually, he’s a brilliant, brilliant judge and the nicest person. So no, I would not replace him. He’s coming back.” When asked about Amanda’s future, he joked: “Well, look, let’s celebrate her past.
“I want to say how much Amanda has brought to the show over the years. I mean, seriously, no, and it will be… it won’t be easy to replace you but I just want to say publicly thank you. Can I be honest with you? I wouldn’t change this judging panel, I think it is something… it’s like your show, you’re number one. So why would I change BGT?” he added.
Bruno has previously expressed his joy of being part of the line-up, saying: “I enjoyed it so much! And as long as they want me, I’m on it, because obviously I haven’t done it before and they allow me to be myself. They have all been so supportive, and for me, every show is an adventure, and that’s how I approach it. One day to the next is never the same! That’s why it’s so exciting to be a part of.”
Mirror Online has reached out to ITV and KSI’s reps for comment.
