Bruno Tonioli is trading in his score paddle for a buzzer.
The former Strictly Come Dancing judge is joining Britain’s Got Talent when auditions begin next week, replacing David Walliams who departed the series after 10 years.
“Bruno has all the right experience and his famous exuberance will go down a treat,” a show source told The Mirror. “He and Simon have long hoped to work together so this has proved the perfect opportunity. Everyone’s very excited.”
Tonioli was a judge on Strictly from 2004 until 2020 when Covid preventing him from flying to the U.K. for the series, which he would depart and be replaced by Anton du Beke. The Italian judge is still a judge on the U.S. version of the series Dancing With The Stars.
Alan Carr was also under consideration for the role but declined. He is reportedly being considered for other jobs on ITV.
Walliams is departing the series after it was revealed he put down contestants while filming Britain’s Got Talent in 2020, forcing viewers to demand he leave the show.
“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,” Williams said in a statement.
Tonioli will join Simon Cowel, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden on the judging panel.
Britain’s Got Talent begins filming this month and airs later this year on ITV.
