Why is Bruno not on BGT and when will he return?

BRUNO Tonioli will be missing in some episodes of this year’s Britain’s Got Talent. There was a lot of talk about his future as a judge on the hit talent show after the 2024 series of BGT ended. Here's what we know and who'll replace him in the interim.

Bruno Tonioli is set to miss a few Britain’s Got Talent episodes because he’s busy filming Dancing with the Stars over in the US, which clashes with his schedule. There had been rumours floating around that Bruno might be leaving BGT altogether after last season, which wrapped up in May 2024 with singer Sydnie Christmas taking the win.

But lead judge Simon Cowell was quick to shut down any talk of a replacement. In a June 2024 interview on Heart Breakfast, he made it clear there’s no truth to the speculation that comedian Alan Carr would be stepping in for Bruno. However, Simon quickly dismissed the suggestion, and it was revealed that there were no plans for Alan to be on the show.

He said: "I don’t know where all this stuff comes from. "I spoke to the producers literally two weeks ago about it. “There is a scheduling issue with Bruno because we’re doing some of the auditions this year and he’s going to be in America.". He added: "But I love Bruno on the show. I think he's brilliant.".

Simon mentioned that there might be a “stand-in” for the days Bruno isn’t available. Unfortunately for Bruno fans, not everyone got to see the former Strictly star at their auditions. Bruno joined the Britain’s Got Talent judging panel in 2023, stepping in for David Walliams.

He sits alongside Simon, Alesha Dixon, and Amanda Holden on the panel. Hip-hop star, pro boxer, and social media influencer KSI stepped in for Bruno for three days during Britain’s Got Talent auditions at the end of 2024. KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, said at the time: "I’m so excited to be a guest judge for BGT.

"When I got the call-up, I couldn’t believe it. I remember watching old BGT episodes and going from being amazed to laughing my a*** off. “I’m buzzing to see all the fresh new talent, and I’ll be sure to leave a mark.". Responding to the temporary change, Bruno appeared to be thrilled.

He said: "Who better than a young, attractive, multi-talented star known the world over, filling in for another young, attractive, multi-talented star known the world over.”. "In all seriousness, I can think of no one better to keep my seat warm than the wonderful KSI, even though I spend most of the show out of it anyway.

“I’ll be itching to get back to the judging panel for another year of laughter, tears and everything in between.". KSI has a massive following, with over 44million fans across his social media platforms. He starred in the Prime Video documentary KSI: In Real Life.

KSI made headlines in 2023 with his controversial boxing match against Love Island star Tommy Fury. Thankfully, Bruno is only away for three episodes in total. Having a stand-in judge on BGT isn’t anything new. With such a long filming schedule, it’s inevitable that clashes, illnesses, or other commitments come up.

Over the years, plenty of familiar faces have stepped in, including Ashley Banjo, Kelly Brook, Louis Walsh, and Carmen Electra. This year, though, BGT seems to be shaking things up even more. Rumours started swirling in 2024 that the show could be going bigger than ever.

Reports from The Sun suggest it might be extended to run over three months. For the first time, the series is kicking off in February and is expected to run until May, a shift from its usual late April to early June schedule. The change seems to be filling a gap left by Saturday Night Takeaway, as hosts Ant and Dec are taking a break from the show this year.

There’s also talk that the format might change, with the usual week of live semi-finals and final being replaced by live shows airing on consecutive Saturday nights instead. BGT has confirmed its February start date, and a social media post featuring the judges with Bruno included.