After the last series of Britain’s Got Talent ended earlier this month, discussions are reportedly underway for the judging panel of the next series, with Bruno Tonioli‘s inclusion being up in the air.
It was previously reported that the 68-year-old had been axed from the panel, but the broadcaster are still said to be weighing up their options, according to The Sun.
If the Italian choreographer does indeed return for his third series on the hit show, a replacement may need to be found for the rescheduled auditions in October as they clash with his commitments on Dancing With The Stars in America. A source told the publication: “Nobody else has been agreed upon or approached as a replacement, currently the question is just – do we keep Bruno at all?
“There is much discussion going on, but maybe a change would be better. But Simon Cowell might insists he stays.” An ITV spokesperson said: “Any plans for Britain’s Got Talent 2025 will be announced in due course.”
With another source from ITV adding: “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 Thames alike.”
Bruno joined the ITV series in 2023 for the 16th series after replacing long-time judge David Walliams, who was on the panel for ten years.
Simon Cowell recently broke his silence on Bruno’s participation on the next series and expressed his concern over whether he would be able to take part or not.
He explained: “We’re doing the auditions – some of the auditions – this year and he’s going to be in America.
“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.”
The show usually airs for seven weeks from April, however it could air from February to May this time round.
The pre-recorded audition stages have been moved from January to October, to allow time for editing before it’s potential earlier release in the schedules.
The last series ended earlier this month, with singer Sydnie Christmas taking the crown and beating runner-up, magician Jack Rhodes.
The panel currently consists of Bruno, Simon, Alesha Dixon, who joined the show in series six and Amanda Holden, who has been on the panel since the show began in 2007.
Simon and Amanda were joined by Piers Morgan when the series debuted on ITV in 2007, but after he chose to leave after four series, he was replaced by both Michael McIntyre and David Hasshelhoff.
