Bruno Tonioli is out. KSI might be in. Britain’s Got Talent is clearly entering a new phase.
In a move that’s caught fans and industry insiders off guard, Bruno Tonioli has officially stepped down as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent after just two seasons. His decision comes down to scheduling issues, specifically clashing commitments with his U.S. role on Dancing with the Stars. While producers tried to find a workaround, the upcoming audition schedule proved too demanding for the Italian choreographer.
So, what now? That’s where things get interesting.
Enter KSI: YouTube King, Musician, Boxer… and BGT Judge?
According to multiple reports, KSI is in serious talks to take Tonioli’s spot on the panel. If that sounds like a major shift for the legacy talent show, that’s because it is. KSI, real name Olajide Olatunji, already stepped in briefly during last season’s auditions and brought with him massive buzz across TikTok, YouTube, and X.
Producers reportedly loved the energy he brought and are looking to tap into his enormous online following, which includes more than 80 million fans across platforms. For a show that’s been running since 2007, bringing in someone like KSI is a deliberate push to modernize and reach younger, more digitally native audiences.
Why Bruno Stepped Away
BGT’s 2025 audition schedule has changed. Instead of the usual staggered weeks in different cities, all filming will now take place over two straight weeks in Blackpool and Birmingham. That compact format made it impossible for Tonioli to balance both his U.K. and U.S. TV commitments.
He reportedly told producers he couldn’t make it work, despite strong efforts by Simon Cowell and the BGT team to keep him onboard.
Fan Reaction: Mixed Vibes About KSI
KSI’s short stint as a guest judge last season split public opinion. Some longtime fans didn’t warm to him, unsure about his judging credentials or simply not familiar with his background. Others, particularly Gen Z and younger millennials, saw his inclusion as a breath of fresh air.
That kind of polarizing response is exactly what BGT may need right now. The show has struggled in recent years to stay relevant in an era where attention spans are short and viewers are more likely to watch highlight clips on TikTok than sit through a full episode on ITV.
Bringing in someone like KSI could reinvigorate the franchise. He’s proven himself to be more than just a YouTuber. He’s a chart-topping artist, a boxing promoter, and a business mogul. Most importantly, he understands what makes online audiences tick.
What This Means for BGT and the Future of Talent Shows
BGT’s decision to shake up its judging panel is more than just a casting change. It’s a reflection of where entertainment is heading. Traditional celebrity judges are being swapped out for creators who built their fame on digital platforms. It’s a risky move, but it could be exactly what the show needs to stay relevant.
Bruno Tonioli’s exit also leaves the door open for more crossover talent from the world of online fame. If KSI does join full-time, it won’t just be about judging talent. It’ll be about blending broadcast and digital culture, which is exactly where the entertainment world is headed.
When Will We Know for Sure?
Auditions kick off in a few months and the 2026 season is expected to premiere in April. An official announcement from ITV is likely coming soon. But if KSI is confirmed, expect BGT to dominate social feeds once again.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the show or someone who gave up after Diversity’s win in 2009, this upcoming season might be worth watching. The future of talent shows is evolving—and KSI could be the face of that evolution.
Takeaway
Entertainment is changing, and so are the faces leading it. Bruno’s exit is the end of an era, but KSI’s potential arrival signals something bigger: the rise of creators as mainstream culture-makers. If BGT pulls this off, it could be the blueprint for every other legacy format trying to stay relevant in the creator economy.
Source: The Sun
