Simon Cowell's son Eric's role in replacing Bruno Tonioli with KSI on Britain's Got Talent

Bruno Tonioli quit his role as a judge on Britain's Got Talent earlier this year, and the show's boss Simon Cowell chose to replace him with KSI.

The dancer, 69, had appeared on the panel of ITV's long-running competition series alongside music mogul Simon, former West End actress Amanda Holden, and pop star Alesha Dixon since 2023, having come in as a replacement for David Walliams.

But the Strictly Come Dancing star could not commit to any further series of Britain's Got Talent, which seeks to find a new act to perform at the Royal Variety Show every year, the dates did not align with Dancing with the Stars in Italy. An insider has claimed that while it was 'really tough' for Simon to let his friend go from the show, but he opted to replace him with YouTube sensation KSI.

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The social media star has had a stint as a guest judge in the past and Simon, who has 11-year-old with Lauren Silverton, is said to have given him a permanent position because his son is a big fan. A source told The Sun: "Simon is always looking for new ways to keep the show evolving and loves to get the opinion of his young son."

The source added: "Eric was a big influence for Simon in choosing Bruno's replacement. He's obsessed with him and adores him, KSI is Eric's favourite influencer.

"Plus, he's been such a hit as a guest judge and Simon recognises they need to keep the show different by moving forward to keep attracting the younger audience."

The insider joked that Bruno has 'been a hit with the grannies' who tune into the programme, but claimed that Simon is now aiming to bring in a younger audience. According to the source, it's all been done in an attempt to 'modernise' the show, which will begin its 19th series in 2026, especially as KSI has nearly 50 million followers across his Instagram, YouTube and TikTok platforms.

While fans of the ITV show will be buzzing, so too is the singer and sports star. He said of the announcement: “I’m so grateful and happy to be a part of the Britain’s Got Talent team for another season I had such a good time last year and I can’t wait to see some more top talent"

KSI went on to say: "I’m full of energy, ready to go and can’t wait to make this the most entertaining BGT season ever. Let’s do this.” Last year, KSI pushed the golden buzzer to send Harry Moulding through to the semi-finals, and the magician ended up winning the whole show.

Bruno first announced his decision to step down in July, but spoke fondly of his time on the ITV show in his most recent update on the matter.

He has now said: "After three incredible series, I’ve sadly had to walk away from a job which has opened my eyes to so much incredible talent and step down as a judge on BGT.

“And whilst I look forward to filming a new series of Dancing with the Stars in the US, I will miss the chaos and joy that BGT brings, as well as all the wonderful people I’ve had the privilege of working with.

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