KSI is set to stand in for Bruno Tonioli on Britain’s Got Talent next year in a bid to pull in a younger audience, according to new reports.
The YouTube influencer and boxer, 30, is reportedly in talks with ITV bosses to be on standby when there is a filming clash.
Auditions are expected to be held earlier than usual for the next series, which means Bruno’s, 68, stint on Dancing With The Stars could clash with BGT.
A source told The Sun: ‘Simon Cowell knows KSI is a huge hit with the younger generation.
‘He would be a great addition to pull in teenage fans, which is something the producers are keen to do.
KSI, 30, is set to stand in for Bruno Tonioli, 68, on Britain’s Got Talent next year in a bid to pull in a younger audience, according to new reports
The YouTube influencer and boxer is reportedly in talks with ITV bosses to be on standby when there is a filming clash
‘KSI is chatting to bosses in the hope of agreeing a deal that would also work with his hectic schedule.’
It comes after reports claimed Bruno could be dropped from next years series of Britain’s Got Talent.
Next year’s Britain’s Got Talent judging line up could undergo a shake up and Bruno may lose his spot on the show.
However Simon Cowell has shut down the rumours as he confirmed that the Italian choreographer will be returning next year despite scheduling clashes but admitted there will be some sort of stand-in.
Appearing on Heart Radio on Wednesday, the music mogul, 64, explained: ‘I would not replace him. I love Bruno on the show.’
Simon explained that there is a problem with Bruno’s schedule next year, therefore the star will be replaced for some of the auditions that he is unable to attend.
Clearing up the rumours Host Jamie Theakston asked the star: ‘I’m gonna read you a headline from one of the papers today Simon… “Britain’s Got Talent set to drop judge, Bruno”‘
As Simon confessed the headline was false, Jamie pressed: ‘Okay, well, what of that isn’t truth?
Auditions are expected to be held earlier than usual for the next series, which means Bruno’s, 68, stint on Dancing With The Stars could clash with BGT
A source said: ‘Simon Cowell knows KSI is a huge hit with the younger generation. He would be a great addition to pull in teenage fans, which is something the producers are keen to do. KSI is chatting to bosses in the hope of agreeing a deal that would also work with his hectic schedule’
It comes after reports claimed Bruno could be dropped from next years series of Britain’s Got Talent
Next year’s Britain’s Got Talent judging line up could undergo a shake up and Bruno may lose his spot on the show
Simon explained: ‘Seriously. I spoke to… I don’t know where all this stuff comes from. I spoke to the producers literally two weeks ago about there is a scheduling issue with Bruno.
‘Because we’re doing the auditions… some of the auditions this year and he’s going to be in America.
‘So maybe there’ll be a stand in for him. I don’t know. But I love Bruno on the show. I think he’s brilliant.’
Fellow judge Amanda Holden agreed as she added: ‘He brings such an amazing energy and he knows so much.’
‘And he knows so much about what he’s talking about. And actually, he’s a brilliant, brilliant judge and the nicest person. So no, I would not replace him,’ Simon added.
‘So… Bruno’s coming back?’ asked Jamie as Simon confirmed once and for all: ‘He’s coming back.’
Jamie then asked: ‘Have you approached Alan Carr?’ as Simon replied: ‘No, Amanda wants Alan.’
‘How much of a say does she have?’ asked Jamie, to which Simon quickly replied: ‘No’ and Amanda cried: ‘I have no say’.
However Simon Cowell has shut down the rumours as he confirmed that the Italian choreographer will be returning next year despite scheduling clashes but admitted there will be some sort of stand-in
Simon explained: ‘Seriously. I spoke to… I don’t know where all this stuff comes from. I spoke to the producers literally two weeks ago about there is a scheduling issue with Bruno’
‘And he knows so much about what he’s talking about. And actually, he’s a brilliant, brilliant judge and the nicest person. So no, I would not replace him,’ Simon added (pictured with Jamie Theakston)
Speaking candidly Simon added: ‘Can I be honest with you? I wouldn’t change this judging panel, I think it is something… it’s like your show, your number one. So why would I change BGT’ (pictured Bruno, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Simon)
Jamie then joked: ‘Is Amanda coming back?’ as Simon teased: ‘Well, look, let’s celebrate her past.
‘I want to say how much Amanda has brought to the show over the years. I mean, seriously and it will be… it won’t be easy to replace you but I just want to say publicly thank you.’
Amanda added: ‘Thank you, Simon. It’s been an absolute pleasure.’
‘We’ve had fun! I’ve had 18 years of you looking after the mortgage. So thank you.’
Speaking candidly Simon added: ‘Can I be honest with you? I wouldn’t change this judging panel, I think it is something… it’s like your show, your number one. So why would I change BGT.’