Simon Cowell ‘could be forced’ to axe ‘hysterical’ Britain’s Got Talent judge in ITV shake-up-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro

Bruno Tonioli, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell are the Britain’s Got Talent judges (Picture: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)

ITV bosses could reportedly force Bruno Tonioli’s exit from Britain’s Got Talent despite Simon Cowell wanting him to remain.

The newest addition to the ITV show has been described as ‘one tone and hysterical’ by an executive at the broadcaster, it is claimed.

It is alleged that they are considering taking advantage of his ‘scheduling conflicts’ to replace him, after recent confirmation they will potentially be a stand-in judge on the upcoming series, as the filming dates clash with Bruno’s commitments to Dancing with the Stars in America.

Previous seasons of BGT have run from April to June, but the next will screen later this year, filling a slot left by the end of Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. This means filming is set to commence in October.

‘We’re doing the auditions — some of the auditions — this year and he’s going to be in America,’ Simon said.

‘So maybe there’ll be a stand-in for him.’

Bruno joined the series last year (Picture: Eamonn McCormack/WireImage)

A TV insider has now revealed that they are considering options to join Simon, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon on the panel.

‘Nobody else has been agreed upon or approached as a replacement, currently, the question is just — do we keep Bruno at all?’

The source added to The Sun that there is much discussion currently taking place. ‘It’s nothing sinister, but maybe a change would be better,’ it added.

However, it’s reported that Simon, 64, has ‘insisted’ that Bruno, 68, stays on the entertainment show after he joined last year. His first series was won by Viggo Venn, and the 2024 offering crowned singer Sydnie Christmas as the champion. He replaced David Walliams, who left in 2022.

Bruno joined the series after David Walliams’ exit (Picture: Anthony Devlin/Getty Images)

Simon also publicly sang the former Strictly Come Dancing judge’s praises.

‘He’s a brilliant, brilliant judge and the nicest person. So no, I would not replace him!’ Simon told fellow judge Amanda and her co-host Jamie Theakston on Heart Breakfast.

An ITV spokeswoman told Metro.co.uk: ‘Any plans for Britain’s Got Talent 2025 will be announced in due course.’

Another ITV source highlighted what Bruno has brought to the format.

‘This year’s BGT was a runaway hit and Bruno played a big part in that. He is much loved by the audience, the acts, his fellow judges, ITV and [production company] Thames alike,’ they said.

In recent weeks, the rumoured replacements included comedian Alan Carr and social media star KSI.

Britain’s Got Talent is expected to return to ITV later this year.

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