Britain's Got Talent line-up 'CONFIRMED' as Simon Cowell fills last judging seat after Bruno Tonioli slammed speculation he would be replaced
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Bruno Tonioli's seat on Britain's Got Talent's judging panel has reportedly been 'saved' by show boss Simon Cowell after he recently slammed speculation that he would be replaced.
Filming for the ITV series was set to clash with Dancing With The Stars - which Bruno, 68, has been a judge on since 2005.
However, Simon, 64, will reportedly fork out thousands to have the Italian TV personality flown back and forth.
'When Bruno joined BGT last year, he breathed new life into the show. Simon loved how unpredictable he was and thought he made great TV. From the ratings, it’s clear the viewers agreed too,' a source told The Sun.
'When plans were drawn up to revamp BGT for 2025, it was quickly flagged to Simon and the producers that Bruno is already committed to Dancing With The Stars.
Bruno Tonioli's seat on Britain's Got Talent's judging panel has reportedly been 'saved' by show boss Simon Cowell after he recently slammed speculation that he would be replaced (pictured in January 2023)
Filming for the ITV series was set to clash with Dancing With The Stars - which Bruno, 68, has been a judge on since 2005 (L-R Bruno, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, and Simon)
However, Simon, 64, will reportedly fork out thousands to have the Italian TV personality flown back and forth (pictured on America's Got Talent)
'Simon managed to find a way to make it work. It means while a stand-in judge may be needed once or twice, Bruno remains on the show.'
The source also revealed that flying back and forth isn't ideal for Bruno, however, he loves both shows and feels committed to them.
The former Strictly judge will start filming in the United States on September 17 and Britain's Got Talent the following month.
MailOnline has contacted Britain's Got Talent's representative for comment.
According to The Sun, comedian Alan Carr, 48, was initially tipped to replace him if he had to leave the show but is now thought to be top of the list to stand in.
This week, ITV unveiled a format change for the show, which also features Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden as judges.
It starts a four-month run in February, with live semi-finals on Saturday evenings replacing nightly episodes across one week.
It comes after Bruno hit back at speculation that he wouldn't be appearing in the next series in June.
Bruno has filming commitments with Dancing With The Stars (pictured on the show)
According to reports, comedian Alan Carr, 48, was initially tipped to replace him if he had to leave the show but is now thought to be top of the list to stand in
After the show came to an end in May, reports were rife that the judging line-up for the 18th series could undergo a shake-up as filming for auditions later this year would clash with Dancing With The Stars.
However, a source told MailOnline that Bruno defiantly declared: 'I'm not going anywhere. I will be back with bells on', when asked about whether his job was at risk.
Simon also shut down the rumours as he confirmed the Italian choreographer will be returning next year despite scheduling clashes but admitted there will be some sort of stand-in.
Appearing on Heart Radio, the music mogul explained: 'I would not replace him. I love Bruno on the show.'
Clearing up the rumours, host Jamie Theakston asked the star: 'I'm going to read you a headline from one of the papers today Simon... "Britain's Got Talent set to drop judge, Bruno".'
As Simon said the headline was false, Jamie pressed: 'Okay, well, what of that isn't truth?'
Simon explained: 'Seriously. I spoke to... I don't know where all this stuff comes from. 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.'
Fellow judge Amanda agreed as she added: 'He brings such an amazing energy and he knows so much.'
'And 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,' Simon added.
'So... Bruno's coming back?' asked Jamie as Simon confirmed once and for all: 'He's coming back.'
Jamie then asked: 'Have you approached Alan Carr?' as Simon replied: 'No, Amanda wants Alan.'
'How much of a say does she have?' asked Jamie, to which Simon quickly replied: 'No' and Amanda cried: 'I have no say'.
Alan revealed last year he confronted Simon after he was snubbed as the new Britain's Got Talent judge.
The comedian, who was approached for the role before it was given to Bruno – without him being told – bumped into Simon at Amanda Holden's house just a week later.
Funnyman Alan told the Mail: 'Amanda Holden, the next week, said, ''Alan, I'm having a party," I went, "great. Love it."
'I go through the door and oh great, Simon's in there. Oh s***. So, as I always do, with my best humour I went over there and said, "My wrist has been hurting all weekend practicing that bloody buzzer and you went for Bruno".'
The former Chatty Man host then mimicked: 'Alan, that's showbusiness.'
