YouTuber, rapper and boxer KSI has been announced as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent.
He will replace Bruno Tonioli, who has confirmed that he will not be returning for ITV’s upcoming 19th series due to scheduling conflicts; Tonioli is also a judge on the 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 dispatched eventual winner Harry Moulder using his golden sound.
Xi, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, said: “I am so grateful and happy to be part of the Britain’s Got Talent team for another season.”
“I had such a great time last year and I can’t wait to see some more of the top talent. I’m full of energy, ready to go and can’t wait to make this the most entertaining season of BGT yet. Let’s do it.”
KSI is one of seven members of the Sidemen, a YouTube collective that has over 22 million subscribers.
Tonioli said: “After three incredible series I have unfortunately had to walk away from a job that has opened my eyes to so much incredible talent and step down from being a judge on BGT.
“And while I’m looking forward to filming a new series of Dancing with the Stars in the US, I’ll miss the chaos and joy that BGT brings, as well as all the wonderful people I’ve had the privilege of working with.”
“They really are a great team that makes great television and I know KSI will be a fantastic referee as well, as he has already proven himself this year.”
The BGT team thanked Tonioli for his work and described him as “Sen-sa-on the-al!”
Tonioli was one of the original Strictly Come Dancing judges and appeared in every series until his departure from the BBC show in 2021.
Britain’s Got Talent will resume filming this year, with the next series, which was tied to ITV, set to air on ITV in 2026.
