entertainment

Could Bruno Tonioli be replacing David Walliams on Britain’s Got Talent?

Published 09:09 17 Jan 2023 GMT

He is Simon Cowell's "preferred choice", apparently.

Amid reports that David Walliams will be leaving his role as a judge on Britain's Got Talent, a number of other celebrities are being considered as his replacement and the latest rumoured star is none other than Strictly Come Dancing star Bruno Tonioli. The Italian dancer and TV personality has become the frontrunner, with one report suggesting that he is essentially "confirmed" for the role. A source told The Sun that despite rumours that Alan Carr may be taking over, Bruno is actually Simon Cowell's "preferred choice". They said: "Not only does he have years of judging experience under his belt from his time on Strictly, he will bring an outrageous brand of comedy that BGT needs on the panel." The source added that Bruno and Britain's Got Talent have had "intense negotiations' which resulted in "an agreement that will now see him return to prime time Saturday night TV in the UK".

Bruno was part of another iconic British talent show – Strictly Come Dancing – for many years. He joined the judging panel in the show's first series and was an integral part until season 18. He has also been a long-serving judge on the Strictly's American equivalent – Dancing with the Stars. Prior to speculation that Tonioli was going to replace Walliams, comedian Alan Carr was the frontrunner. A source had told The Sun that Alan Carr was in the process of finalising a deal, while the Daily Mail claimed that the show's bosses were "excited" about how Alan would interact with the contestants. It was reported last year that Walliams had stepped down from his role on the judging panel on Britain's Got Talent, after leaked transcripts emerged of derogatory comments he made towards auditionees. In transcripts obtained by the Guardian, the television personality and children's author was recorded referring to one contestant as a “c**t” and saying of another: “She thinks you want to f**k her, but you don’t.”