Bruno Tonioli confirms BGT exit as his replacement is announced
A familiar face is replacing him!
Last updated 2nd Sep 2025
Britain's Got Talent will have a new permanent judge joining the panel for the upcoming 19th series, as Bruno Tonioli has confirmed his 'sad' exit from the show.
Why has Bruno left?
After months of rumours, Bruno announced on Monday 1st September that he will be stepping down from the show, following three amazing series on the panel.
Sharing a statement on Instagram, he wrote: 'Due to my prior commitment to Dancing with the Stars, I am sadly not able to be part of the next series of Britain's Got Talent. I will miss everyone involved and wish them all the greatest success!'.
The official BGT social media pages then shared the news, thanking Bruno for his role on the show over the last three years.
Posting a highlights reel, the post read: 'After three fabulous series, Bruno Tonioli is stepping down as a #BGT Judge due to filming commitments 💔
'His time with us has been truly SEN-SA-TION-AL! Thank you, Bruno, we’ll miss you! 🫶'. (sic)
Speaking to ITV about his departure, Bruno added: “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. They truly are a brilliant team who make brilliant television, and I know KSI will be a fantastic judge too, as he’s already proven this year.”
Who is replacing Bruno on BGT?
It has now been confirmed that KSI will become the new permanent judge on the show, after a guest role on the panel earlier this year.
KSI said: “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. 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.”
Fans were buzzing with the announcement, with many saying he brings a fresh look to show. One wrote: 'Let’s go JJ. Thank god we have him. He was an amazing judge last series and I am so glad he is back full time'.
Another added: 'Mad he actually suits the show too for younger audiences fair play', with a third writing: 'Great choice, he was amazing on the show'.
Who else will be on the show?
It looks like KSI will join usual judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon for series 19, whilst Ant and Dec will continue to host the show.
When is Britain's Got Talent on TV?
The exact start date for Britain's Got Talent series 19 hasn't been announced just yet, but bosses have confirmed filming will take place later this year and air sometime in 2026.
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:
Britain's Got Talent: A look back at the 2025 series
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