Bruno Tonioli joins the Britain’s Got Talent judges panel
The show has confirmed David Walliams’ replacement
Bruno Tonioli has been confirmed as the new judge on Britain’s Got Talent, replacing David Walliams.
The former Strictly judge joined Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and Simon Cowell as auditions commenced at the London Palladium.
Bruno’s first introduction as a judge was captured in a video shared by a fan:
Ladies and Gentlemen, your brand new #BGT panel – Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli… pic.twitter.com/mUvb57YCEZ
— Adam Khan (@Adam_Khan100) January 24, 2023
Tonioli was one of the original judges on Strictly Come Dancing when the BBC launched the show in 2004. He decided to step down from the role last year, citing his stateside professional commitments as the reason.
The 67-year-old last appeared as a judge on Strictly in 2019, with Covid travel restrictions forcing him to appear only minimally via video link in 2020. He was replaced by long-time Strictly professional dancer Anton Du Beke in 2021, with the arrangement becoming permanent from last year.
Of his new role, Bruno notes:
“Here we are, Britain’s Got Talent. I am so excited. It’s my first show, I have no idea what’s going to happen, but I’m sure it’s going to be brilliant.”
Ant and Dec will also be returning as hosts ready to cheer and console the acts brave enough to brace the stage of the famous theatre.
“Now in its 16th series, the multi-award-winning talent extravaganza is back and bigger than ever before with even more awe-inspiring and show-stopping performers all vying to impress the judges and secure their place in the live-semi-finals taking place later this year.” – Thames
Launched in 2007, the show searches for an act to appear at the Royal Variety Performance with Ant & Dec on hand to offer moral support to auditionees before presenting the live finals. It has delivered some of the most talked about TV moments of the last decade with memorable acts including Paul Potts, Diversity, Tokio Myers, Lost Voice Guy and of course superstar singer Susan Boyle.
Who will follow in the footsteps of series 15 victor, comedian Axel Blake and win over the public to be crowned the BGT winner of 2023?
