Britain’s Got Talent fans beg for KSI to replace Bruno Tonioli after judging debut

As fans tuned in to the nail-biting launch episode of Britain’s Got Talent on Saturday evening, viewers were instantly charmed by an unexpected change to the judging line-up, when KSI stood in for Bruno Tonioli, alongside regulars Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Simon Cowell.

The 31 year old Youtube star was tasked with standing in for Bruno, after the dancer was left unable to oversee the Blackpool auditions due to a scheduling conflict with Dancing with the Stars, America’s answer to Strictly Come Dancing.

Roped in to cover for three days, it was the first time the influencer (and professional boxer!) had been asked to judge on the panel, and in a matter of minutes, viewers had already fallen in love with his enthusiasm and “hilarious” quips as he gave his opinions on the auditions unfolding before him.

In fact, KSI proved to be so popular, some fans even called for him to permanently replace Bruno, with many begging ITV to invite him back long-term. Taking to social media to share their thoughts, viewers didn’t hold back as they heaped praise on the BGT newcomer.

“KSI was made for BGT,”gushed one fan. A second also agreed adding: “Delighted that my one of my favourite TV shows is back! Great that KSI is a guest judge.”

A third fan then added: “#BritainsGotTalent How hilarious is KSI lmfao can we keep him as a full time judge!!!!’”

Before a fourth weighed in adding: “Actually good addition adding much needed fun.”

By bringing KSI on board as a guest judge, BGT bosses were hoping to capitalise on his impressive fan-following, with 80 million people regularly tuning into his antics across a number of social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram and Youtube.

An insider said of the signing: “Their new judge doesn't just know a thing or two about entertaining, he has a colossal following who are largely young and tech savvy, which is just the sort of viewer that the show now thrives on.

“BGT isn't just a TV show it's a global internet phenomenon as well, with clips of the various acts being watched a staggering 24 billion times around the world. Which is why KSi is the perfect match, as his music alone has been streamed 2.7billion times.”

And it appears, KSI himself hasn’t ruled out a return in the future either, as he himself went on to admit "Once I figured out what makes sense and my place, I kind of just ran with it and I got more and more comfortable and came into my own."

Speaking of the experience, he added: "It kind of reminded me when I perform or even when I'm boxing, I'd hear people screaming, shouting my name,” reports The Sun.

“It was craziness like that, but it was cool. Even while I'm sitting there to hear people shout my name and have people asking for a photo and just enjoying the whole experience."

Hinting that he might be interested in repeating his tenure as a judge, he added: "I really enjoyed the experience, and I don't know if they want me back. I don't know if I made a good impression. But if I did, and they do want me back, you know, I'm fully down!”