Bruno Tonioli breaks silence with Simon Cowell post after BGT ‘axe’

Bruno Tonioli has broken his silence after it was reported he has been axed from Britain’s Got Talent.

The former Strictly Come Dancing judge was reportedly booted off the new series of the ITV talent show, just days after Sydnie Christmas took home the top prize at the live final. Sydnie won herself a huge £250,000 as well as a spot to perform at the Royal Variety Performance in front of a member of the Royal Family in November later this year.

Bruno took over as a judge from David Walliams two years ago, with Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon. However, it looks like he won’t be back next year due to a scheduling conflict with his US commitments.

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Breaking his social media silence, he posted a promo of Simon Cowell’s latest project – proving that there is no bad blood between the two. The music mogul is on the hunt for his next boyband following the success of One Direction. Bruno shared a link to sign up to Simon’s search as well as a poster that read: “Simon needs you! Are you the next global superstar and want to be in his new boy band? Aged around 16-18? Click below now to apply.”

Bruno always appears as a judge on Dancing with the Stars in the United States, and with Britain’s Got Talent set to move to earlier in the year to accommodate the lack of Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, which has been paused for now, it’s been reported that the scheduling conflict could affect Bruno’s availability for BGT.

Britain’s Got Talent is said to be undergoing a whopping £100 million revamp, which includes a change in filming date. Auditions will now be filmed in October, rather than January like usual.

“Once it became clear auditions were starting in October, as opposed to January as per the previous 17 series, it became clear Bruno may not be able to take part. He’s committed to the US, but the new format for BGT is non-negotiable because the show will effectively be replacing Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway,” The Sun reported.

It is believed that Alan Carr is a favourite to replace Bruno. Alan recently starred as a judge on ITV reality show Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream, where he helped to pick the new Sophie and Sky for the West End. Bosses also believe his friendship with Amanda Holden, with whom he does another TV show, would also be a winning formula.

“Alan Carr is a name that has been mooted – his chemistry with Amanda is already a winning formula – and he would bring a fantastic comic edge to the panel,” the source added of the possibility of Bruno being replaced by Alan.

Ahead of the most recent series, Bruno explained how much it meant coming back to the show. Speaking about the team behind Britain’s Got Talent, and what it meant to be a part of it, he said: “I enjoyed it so much! And as long as they want me, I’m on it, because obviously I haven’t done it before and they allow me to be myself. They have all been so supportive, and for me, every show is an adventure, and that’s how I approach it. One day to the next is never the same! That’s why it’s so exciting to be a part of.”

Simon Cowell later confirmed that Bruno would not be leaving the panel for good – but he will be replaced during the scheduling clash. Simon said: “I spoke to the producers literally two weeks ago about there is a scheduling issue with Bruno. Because 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. He knows so much about what he’s talking about. And actually, he’s a brilliant, brilliant judge and the nicest person. So no, I would not replace him! He’s coming back.”