YouTuber, rapper and boxer KSI has been announced as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent.
He will replace Bruno Tonioli, who has confirmed he won’t be returning for ITV’s upcoming 19th series due to scheduling conflicts; Tonioli is also a judge on US show Dancing With The Stars.
KSI will join returning judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon, after he stepped in as a guest judge last season and sent through the eventual winner Harry Moulder using his golden buzzer.
KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, said: “I’m so grateful and happy to be a part of the Britain’s Got Talent team for another season.”
“I had such a good time last year and I can’t wait to see some more top talent. I’m full of energy, ready to go and can’t wait to make this the most entertaining BGT season ever. Let’s do this.”
KSI is one of seven members of the Sidemen, a YouTube collective, who have more than 22 million subscribers.
Tonioli said: “After three incredible series, I’ve sadly had to walk away from a job which has opened my eyes to so much incredible talent and step down as a judge on BGT.
“And whilst I look forward to filming a new series of Dancing With The Stars in the US, I will miss the chaos and joy that BGT brings, as well as all the wonderful people I’ve had the privilege of working with.
“They truly are a brilliant team who make brilliant television, and I know KSI will be a fantastic judge too, as he’s already proven this year.”
The BGT team thanked Tonioli for his work and described him as “SEN-SA-TION-AL!”
Tonioli was one of the original Strictly Come Dancing judges and appeared on every series until his departure from the show in 2021.
Britain’s Got Talent will resume filming this year, with the next series due to air on ITV in 2026.
