The Britain’s Got Talent judging panel could have a shake-up, according to reports.
The 17th series came to an end over the weekend with singer Sydnie Christmas being crowned the winner and scooping the £250,000 cash prize.
With the 18th season planned to start filming later this year, insiders have said Bruno Tonioli‘s future on the show is at risk due to filming clashes.
Bosses are said to be lining up Alan Carr, who was previously tipped to replace David Walliams, as a potential replacement if Bruno can’t commit to another series.
‘Once it became clear auditions were starting in October, as opposed to January as per the previous 17 series, it became clear Bruno may not be able to take part,’ a source told The Sun.
The BGT judging panel could have a shake-up with Bruno Tonioli’s place at risk, according to reports (Bruno with Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell and Ant and Dec)
Bosses are said to be lining up Alan Carr , who was previously tipped to replace David Walliams, as a potential replacement if Bruno can’t commit to another series
‘He’s committed to the US, but the new format for BGT is non- negotiable because the show will effectively be replacing Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. Bruno has been a real hit with his fellow judges and viewers so it would be incredibly sad to see him go.
‘Alan Carr is a name that has been mooted – his chemistry with Amanda is already a winning formula – and he would bring a fantastic comic edge to the panel.
‘A decision will have to be made in the coming weeks.
MailOnline has contacted Britain’s Got Talent, Bruno and Alan’s representatives for comment.
Alan revealed last year he confronted Simon Cowell after he was snubbed as the new Britain’s Got Talent judge.
The comedian, who was approached for the role before it was given to Bruno – without him being told – bumped into Simon at Amanda Holden’s house just a week later.
Funnyman Alan, 47, told the Mail: ‘Amanda Holden, the next week, said, ”Alan, I’m having a party,” I went, “great. Love it.”
‘I go through the door and oh great, Simon’s in there. Oh s***. So, as I always do, with my best humour I went over there and said, “My wrist has been hurting all weekend practicing that bloody buzzer and you went for Bruno”.’
The former Chatty Man host then mimicked: ‘Alan, that’s showbusiness.’
With the 18th season planned to start filming later this year, insiders have said Bruno Tonioli ‘s future on the show is at risk due to filming clashes
Alan and Amanda have found success with their interior design show Alan and Amanda’s Italian Job on the BBC
The 17th series came to an end over the weekend with singer Sydnie Christmas being crowned the winner and scooping the £250,000 cash prize
Alan confirmed that he met with bosses of the ITV talent show to replace David Walliams earlier this year and expected to have the job given his close friendship with Amanda translating well on screen.
The duo have found success with their interior design show Alan and Amanda’s Italian Job on the BBC.
He jetted in from filming the BBC travel show with Amanda to meet with Fremantle bosses.
Alan was so sure he had the job he had even decided what clothes he would wear for the auditions.
However, Simon’s team decided to go for former Strictly judge Bruno – leaving ITV executives furious.
Alan said: ‘I had a meeting with them and they said, “Oh yeah….” and they said I’d find out and then I didn’t know on Monday it was Bruno that had for the job.
‘I don’t really know what went on.’
A change to the panel could give the show a ratings boot after the series received the worst ratings in its 17-year history on Sunday night, despite Simon claiming it was the best final he has seen in a long time.
Bookies’ have also claimed the show is at risk of being axed after viewing figures plummeted.
Only 5.2million viewers tuned in to watch the nail-biting final, which saw Sydnie Christmas be crowned the 2024 winner.
This years’ series is now the least watched series having declined since the 2009 peak, which saw 16.3million viewers turn their TV’s on to watch Diversity win the final over Susan Boyle.
According to Super TV, while ratings only dropped slightly compared to last year’s 5.3million viewers, there is a clear decline in popularity for the long-running show.