Britain’s Got Talent Fans Urge KSI to Replace Bruno Tonioli as Permanent Judge Following Impressive Debut

Britain’s Got Talent Fans Demand KSI Replace Bruno Tonioli After Standout Debut

By Kate Dennett for MailOnline
Published: 20:23 GMT, 22 February 2025 | Updated: 20:33 GMT, 22 February 2025

KSI made his debut as a guest judge on Britain’s Got Talent (BGT), filling in for Bruno Tonioli.

The 2025 season of Britain’s Got Talent kicked off with a bang as YouTube sensation KSI joined the judging panel, earning rave reviews from fans. The 31-year-old influencer stepped in for Bruno Tonioli, who was filming Dancing with the Stars in the U.S. Hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly announced KSI’s temporary role during Saturday’s premiere, sparking immediate buzz.

Viewers flooded social media with praise for KSI’s humor and energy, with many calling for him to replace Bruno permanently. Comments on X (formerly Twitter) included:

• “@KSI was made for BGT!”
• “KSI is actually a great judge—so much better than Bruno!”
• “Can we keep him full-time?!”

Fans praised KSI’s infectious enthusiasm on social media.

Why KSI?
BGT producers reportedly tapped KSI to attract his 80 million-strong online following. A source revealed, “His young, tech-savvy audience aligns perfectly with the show’s digital success. BGT clips have been viewed 24 billion times globally, and KSI’s music streams hit 2.7 billion—it’s a smart match.”

Bruno Tonioli, however, dismissed rumors of being permanently replaced, stating he’d return “with bells on.” Regular judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon also returned for the new season.

Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon returned alongside KSI and Bruno.

Format Shake-Up
The 2025 series introduces major changes:

• Extended Run: Airing from February 22 (instead of April) with weekly Saturday episodes.
• Live Semis: Shifting from nightly to weekly broadcasts.
• Blackpool Auditions: A portion filmed outside London’s Palladium for the first time.

The show’s Blackpool auditions drew lively crowds.

KSI’s debut marks a fresh direction for BGT, blending traditional talent showcases with modern digital appeal. Whether he becomes a permanent fixture or not, his impact is undeniable—proving reality TV’s evolving landscape thrives on star power and social media clout.

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