Brand new Britain's Got Talent judge confirmed

He will replace David Walliams

Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 24th Jan 2023
Last updated 25th Jan 2023

It looks like Britain's Got Talent will have a new judge joining the panel for the next season, as David Walliams has been replaced by former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli.

The news comes after leaked recordings of David were made public where he described contestants with inappropriate language, resulting in him stepping down from the panel.

News of Bruno's new job was announced on Twitter by a user who filmed hosts Ant and Dec welcoming Bruno into the The London Palladium, alongside Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, and Amanda Holden.

Filming for the audition rounds kicked off on Tuesday 24th January, after hopefuls were urged to apply for the hit show.

Bruno is set to bring his flamboyant behaviour to the panel, which made him very popular whilst sitting on the Strictly panel for a massive 18 years. After missing the show due to lockdown, Bruno later made the decision to leave the show to focus on his role on Dancing With The Stars, being replaced by Anton Du Beke.

Why has David Walliams left the show?

Last year leaked conversations were revealed of David discussing contestants on Britain's Got Talent. In the recordings he could heard describing the contestants with inappropriate language.

At the time David addressed the recordings saying: "I would like to apologise to the people I made disrespectful comments about during breaks in filming for Britain’s Got Talent in 2020. These were private conversations and – like most conversations with friends – were never intended to be shared. Nevertheless, I am sorry."

When did David Walliams leave Britain's Got Talent?

It was reported back in November 2022 that David had left the popular talent show, although his departure wasn't confirmed, a spokesperson for the show did say in a statement: 'The judging panel for Britain’s Got Talent 2023 will be announced in due course. It’s still very much up in the air at the moment on whether David is going to take part in next year’s show. No decision, though, has been made as yet.'

When is Britain's Got Talent on TV?

Britain's Got Talent, presented by popular Geordie duo Ant and Dec, is set to air its 16th series in 2023.

The exact date for Britain's Got Talent's return has not yet been announced.

Take a look through all the winners of Britain's Got Talent:

Paul Potts

Paul Potts won the very first show in 2007 with his hugely impressive singing abilities.

George Sampson

Break dancer George Sampson won the show in 2008 at the age of just 14-years-old.

Diversity

Dance group Diversity won the show in 2009, with Ashley Banjo going on to become a TV presenter.

Spellbound

The 2010 series also saw a dance group win in the form of Spellbound, pictured here performing with singer Katherine Jenkins that year.

Jai McDowall

Singer Jai McDowall won the show in 2011.

Ashleigh and Pudsey

Dog performing act Ashleigh and Pudsey were winners of the 2012 series. However, Pudsey sadly passed away in July 2017.

Attraction

Another dance group won over the public in 2013, as Attraction used shadows and puppets to create beautiful spectacles - pictured here with actor Terry Crews.

Collabro

Singing group Collabro wowed viewers in 2014 with their performances of musical theatre songs.

Jules and Matisse

Britain's Got Talent saw its second dog act winner in 2015 with Jules and Matisse.

Richard Jones

Magician Richard Jones won the hearts of the nation in 2016.

Tokio Myers

Pianist and music producer Tokio Myers won the show in 2017, pictured here with BGT judge Amanda Holden.

Lost Voice Guy

Lost Voice Guy, real name Lee Ridley, won in 2018.

Colin Thackery

Colin Thackery won Britain's Got Talent 2019 with a heartwarming performance of 'Love Changes Everything'.

Jon Courtenay

Comedy singer Jon Courtenay was crowned the winner of the 2020 series! Jon was a favourite from his very first audition, picking up Ant and Dec's Golden Buzzer!

Axel Blake

Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer act, comedian Axel Blake, was crowned the 2022 winner of Britain's Got Talent, beating the likes of ventriloquist Jamie Leahy and singer Tom Ball.

Viggo Venn

Norwegian comedian Viggo Venn won the 2023 series of Britain's Got Talent with his high vis jacket inspired routine. He said he was happy to have captured 'Simon's heart' as well as the nation's.

Sydnie Christmas

Sydnie Christmas won the 2024 series of Britain's Got Talent, the singer who dreams of performing on the West End told Ant and Dec: "I cannot believe the amount of love that I've felt since it aired. I am overwhelmed with love and it is the most amazing thing.
"And I wish for one day that every single person in this room feels the way I do one day with this love. It's amazing, thank you so much!"

Now read:

Who won Britain's Got Talent 2022?

Britain's Got Talent: All of the winners so far

Ant and Dec's complete career timeline: From Byker Grove to Britain's Got Talent

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