YouTube star, musician and boxer KSI has been announced as the new judge on Britain’s Got Talent after Bruno Tonioli stepped down from his role.
The 32-year-old influencer, real name Olajide “JJ” Olatunji, said he was grateful and excited to be on the show after a successful stint as a guest judge on season 18 of the ITV talent show.
“I had such a good time last year and I can’t wait to see some more of the top talent,” KSI said.
“I’m full of energy, ready to go and can’t wait to make this the most entertaining BGT Season ever! Let’s do it.”
Tonioli will not be involved in the next series due to scheduling conflicts as he returns to the US to begin filming Dancing with the Stars in the area.
Britain’s Got Talent 2026 will begin filming later this year, with KSI joining Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon as a full-time cast member.
In a comedic video posted to Instagram, KSI is seen daydreaming about hitting the show’s iconic Big Red Buzzer while judging random members of the public. He then decides to call Cowell, who invites him to become a full-time judge.
Celebrating the news, KSI shouts, “Let’s Go!” as he is showered with gold confetti.
Meanwhile, Tonoli, who replaced David Williams on the show in 2023, said he was sad to leave the chaos and joy of Bgt Area .
The 69-year-old said: “After three incredible series I have sadly had to walk away from a job that has opened my eyes to so much incredible talent and step down as a judge on Bgt Local
“And while I’m really looking forward to filming a new series of Dancing with the Stars in the US, I will 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 brilliant team who make brilliant television and I know KSI will be a fantastic judge too, as he has already proven this year.”
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Xi stood in for Tonoli on several episodes of Britain’s Got Talent in 2025 and quickly won over viewers with his infectious enthusiasm.
“It was so much fun,” KSI said of filming the final episode. “I just wanted to get involved as much as possible and really immerse myself in the space and just enjoy it. And I really did, the audition was incredible. There were some incredible singers… who just took everyone by surprise in front of that audience, it’s just incredible.”
Britain’s Got Talent 2025 was won by magician Harry Mouldings, taking home £250,000 after dazzling fans with illusions that included a card trick performed while jumping out of a plane.
