BRITAIN’S Got Talent judge Bruno Tonioli’s future on the show has been thrown into doubt as filming dates for the next series clash with his US telly gig on Dancing With The Stars.
It paves the way for Simon Cowell to put his favourite guest judge — social media star KSI — in the flamboyant Italian’s place.
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Former Strictly judge Bruno replaced David Walliams on the panel in 2023, joining Simon, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon.
KSI, who has 75million social media followers, has guested on the ITV show whenever Simon has invited him, including last night’s BGT final and in 2024 when Bruno was filming in the US.
‘A real charming man’
A source said: “There is no doubt that KSI’s social media clout is exactly what the BGT panel needs, and Simon loves the edge he brings.
“TV isn’t getting the viewing figures it did a decade ago, so to have someone who can tell their followers to sit down and watch the box can have a real impact.
“Because of the scheduling issues, insiders are certain that Simon will offer KSI a more long-term position in the show.”
Speaking last week, Bruno, 69, insisted he didn’t feel threatened by the 31-year-old YouTube sensation.
He said: “We’re both young, attractive, multi-talented stars, known the world over. Joking aside, I think KSI is fantastic — a real charming man, full of energy.
“We attended the Brits together too, which was a fabulous evening.”
After KSI’s first appearance on BGT in February, his fans demanded that the Prime energy drink mogul become a permanent fixture.
A BGT spokesman declined to comment.
But an insider added: “We had a similar situation last year.
“Bruno was filming Dancing With The Stars in October but was still available to film BGT auditions in Blackpool. In this year’s series, KSI stepped in as a guest judge for both Bruno and Simon on different audition dates.”
