David Walliams speaks on BGT
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BGT: Bruno Tonioli confirmed as David Walliams’ replacement

ITV have now announced the new judge, too

Bruno Tonioli has been confirmed as David Walliams‘ replacement on ITV talent series BGT.

A leaked video shared on Twitter this afternoon (Tuesday January 24) captured the ex Strictly judge being introduced at the taping of the first audition show.

Hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly welcomed Bruno, 67, into the London Palladium auditorium alongside the ITV series’ fellow judges.

Bruno Tonioli joins BGT and the Britain's Got Talent judges
Bruno Tonioli joins BGT – and the panel of Britain’s Got Talent judges (Credit: ITV)

Dec announced: “Please give a huge welcome to the four judges for this afternoon.

“They are Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli!”

The four-strong panel made their entrance soundtracked by Survivor’s Eye of the Tiger.

Bruno, wearing a dazzling red blazer for his BGT debut, told the audience: “Thank you very much. I am thrilled to be here.”

He then gestured towards Amanda and Alesha and complimented them: “Look at these girls, they’re stunning!”

Bruno also added it was an “honour” to “finally” work with Simon.

“He’s teased me with this for years,” Bruno said.

“Years and years and years. And I tell you, honestly, I’m thrilled to be here.”

Bruno Tonioli joins BGT
Bruno Tonioli is confirmed for BGT and has his own buzzer (Credit: ITV)

‘I am so excited’

Approached for comment, Fremantle confirmed Bruno is the show’s new judge.

Bruno added in a statement: “Here we are, Britain’s Got Talent. I am so excited.

“It’s my first show, I have no idea what’s going to happen, but I’m sure it’s going to be brilliant.”

BGT auditions at the London Palladium
BGT auditions are taking place at the London Palladium (Credit: Instagram)

Alan Carr, 46, had also previously been linked with the role in reports.

However source indicated to the Mirror earlier this month (January 16) that Bruno’s signing was a done deal.

They said: “Bruno has all the right experience and his famous exuberance will go down a treat.

“He and Simon have long hoped to work together so this has proved the perfect opportunity. Everyone’s very excited.”

Furthermore, around the same time, The Sun also reckoned Bruno was the likely choice.

An insider claimed to the tabloid: “For almost two months Alan may have been the favourite to take over from David, but Bruno was always Simon’s preferred choice.”

Read more: Strictly star Craig Revel Horwood issues warning over Bruno Tonioli amid BGT claims

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Robert Leigh
Freelance writer