Britain’s Got Talent judge confirmed to be staying after axe claim-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro

Britain’s Got Talent fans finally have their answer about the fate of one of the judges on the panel after it was claimed that they were being replaced.

Over the weekend, the final of the ITV competition took place, with singer Sydnie Christmas crowned the winner after first wowing judges Bruno Tonioli, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell at her audition.

In the aftermath of the grand finale, it was alleged that former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno was set to be replaced by comedian Alan Carr, although this report was never confirmed.

Media mogul Simon, 64, has now put an end to the chatter, emphasising that Bruno, 68, isn’t going anywhere.

On Wednesday, the former X Factor judge joined his Britain’s Got Talent co-star Amanda Holden and radio presenter Jamie Theakston on Heart Breakfast to discuss the subject.

‘It seems right to discuss the future of the Britain’s Got Talent judging panel…‌,’ Jamie, 53, said, as Amanda, 53, added: ‘It’s only right since we’ve got you here…’

There was speculation among fans that the judging panel was going through a shake-up (Picture: Dymond/Thames/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

Simon confirmed that Bruno is here to stay (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

Jamie then read a headline from a newspaper which read: ‘Britain’s Got Talent set to drop judge Bruno and hire comic Alan Carr.’

The presenter wasn’t even able to finish his sentence before Simon interrupted, stating: ‘No.’

Simon then explained that there was a ‘scheduling issue’ with Bruno, as he’s set to be in America while auditions for the next series of Britain’s Got Talent are taking place.

‘So maybe there’ll be a stand-in for him. I don’t know. But I love Bruno on the show. I think he’s brilliant,’ he added, as Amanda chimed in to say: ‘He brings such an amazing energy and he knows so much….’

Simon stressed that Bruno ‘knows so much about what he’s talking about’, while Amanda mentioned how long their colleague has been in the industry.

Simon shut down the claim that Alan Carr would be taking over from Bruno (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

Simon emphasised that he wants the judging panel to stay the way it is (Picture: Dymond/Thames/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

‘He’s a brilliant, brilliant judge and the nicest person. So no, I would not replace him!’ Simon concluded.

He then went on to sing Amanda’s praises, having worked with her on Britain’s Got Talent for the past 17 years.

‘I want to say how much Amanda has brought to the show over the years. I mean, seriously, no, and it will be… it won’t be easy to replace you but I just want to say publicly thank you.‌’

Amanda said that ‘it’s been an absolute pleasure’, before describing how much ‘fun’ they’ve had on the panel together.

Sydnie Christmas was crowned the winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2024 (Picture: Dymond/Thames/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

Simon then outlined: ‘Can I be honest with you? I wouldn’t change this judging panel, I think it is something… it’s like your show, your number one. So why would I change BGT.’

Well that’s that then!

Following Sydnie’s win in the final, she spoke to Metro.co.uk about how ‘soul-destroying’ it was to be on the receiving end of criticisms after some viewers claimed her success was a ‘fix’.

‘Everything has been genuine and I’ve said my truth so saying it’s not is questioning me. There’s nothing that breaks my heart more than to see [the doubt],’ she said.

Referencing the trolls, she added: ‘I’d love to speak to them but they are so angry so there’s nothing more I can do.’

Tune in to Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden weekdays from 6.30am – 10am, also on Global Player.

Britain’s Got Talent is available to watch on ITVX.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More