KSI named full-time BGT judge for 2026 series

KSI has been confirmed as a fulltime judge on Britain’s Got Talent, replacing Bruno Tonioli for the ITV competition’s 19th series after the longrunning show resumed casting and production plans for 2026. The 32 year old YouTuber, musician and boxer will sit alongside returning judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon when filming resumes later this year and the series airs on ITV1 and ITVX in 2026.

Tonioli, who joined the show in 2023, announced he would step back because of scheduling conflicts as he returns to the United States to film a new season of Dancing with the Stars. Tonioli said, “After three incredible series, I’ve sadly had to walk away from a job which has opened my eyes to so much incredible talent and step down as a judge on BGT. And whilst I look 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.”

KSI, whose given name is Olajide Olatunji, had already stood in as a guest judge during the programme’s most recent run and was widely praised for his energetic on-screen presence. He said he was “so grateful and happy...