Ksi confirmed as permanent judge after Bruno Tonioli bows out of Britain's Got Talent
Bruno Tonioli will not return to Britain's Got Talent for series 19, and ksi joins the judging line-up in his place. The switch matters as the show, entering its 19th season, pairs a long-serving presenting duo with a new, broadly publicised panel dynamic.
Bruno Tonioli's exit: tenure, timing and the reason
Bruno Tonioli, who stepped into David Walliams' role on the panel in 2023, appeared across three series before confirming his exit. He announced last September that he would not be back for series 19 because of diary clashes with Dancing with the Stars in the United States, where he also serves as a judge. he said that after three "incredible series" he had sadly had to walk away and that he looked forward to filming a new series of Dancing with the Stars in the US. He added that he would miss the "chaos and joy" of Britain's Got Talent and said he knew KSI would be a fantastic judge, "as he's already proven this year. " The show responded by thanking him and praising his time, saying, "His time with us has been truly SEN-SA-TION-AL! Thank you, Bruno, we'll miss you!" Tonioli will now be seen stateside as he continues his job as a judge on Dancing with the Stars.
Ksi confirmed as permanent judge for series 19
Ksi — who guest-judged on the programme during series 18 — has been announced as Bruno Tonioli's permanent replacement on the panel alongside Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden. The show's broadcaster said KSI was enormously popular with viewers and that audiences adored his contagious energy and passion on the judging panel. KSI commented: "I'm so grateful and happy to be a part of the Britain's Got Talent team for another season. I had such a good time last year and I can't wait to see some more top talent. I'm full of energy, ready to go and can't wait to make this the most entertaining BGT season ever! Let's do this. " Fans reacted on social media with messages such as "Can't wait to see you as a judge!" and "Can't wait, so excited already!"
KSI's career, age and commercial interests
Known to most by his moniker, KSI's real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji. The 32-year-old rose to prominence in the early 2010s through online gaming material and the Sidemen group channel, which accumulated hundreds of millions of YouTube views. He has diversified into music, boxing and commerce, co-establishing Misfits Boxing and co-owning brands including Prime Hydration and Lunchly. In 2022 he co-launched the Prime energy drink with Logan Paul; Prime has since been banned in some schools over concerns about its high caffeine levels and the disruptive hype after children queued around the block to buy it. KSI bears his moniker as a chest tattoo and has said the initials represent knowledge, strength and integrity.
Wealth, recognition and the return date
KSI's commercial success has translated into substantial wealth: he possesses a fortune of approximately £75 million ($100m) and has appeared on multiple wealth and influence rankings, including a 30 Under 30 list and recognition as one of Britain's most influential digital creators in 2019. After stepping in as a guest judge last year, he will return to the panel full time on Saturday, February 21, as the programme embarks on its 19th season.
Audience moments, cultural notes and the show's standing
On its return, Britain's Got Talent continues to pull in millions of viewers and remains a major tentpole for the broadcaster. Critics and viewers have noticed a shift in tone: an opening episode included a drone show billed as celebrating the "best of Britain, " featuring references to King Charles, Big Ben and the Union Jack. One standout moment this season saw a parkour-performing dog receive rapturous applause from the studio audience and three of the four judges; Simon Cowell appeared thrilled, while KSI was notably unimpressed. Some commentators have gone as far as to call KSI the best thing to happen to the show since Susan Boyle, suggesting his presence cuts through moments of manufactured amazement. The programme, now a year away from turning 20, still evokes memories of earlier winners such as Paul Potts, Diversity and George Sampson even as the format adapts.
KSI's private life and how he keeps it separate from fame
KSI has been discreetly dating his partner for eight years; she works outside the entertainment world and holds down a regular nine-to-five job. He has said he deliberately keeps her away from public attention, avoids sharing photographs online and values that she "grounds" him and tells him when to relax. The pair split briefly at one point and he has said he "begged" to reconcile; that period prompted him to see a therapist to focus on himself and understand what he wants and needs from life and relationships.
