Britain’s Got Talent to return to ITV with star guest judge

Social media star KSI will appear as a guest judge on Britain’s Got Talent as he fills in for Bruno Tonioli on a handful of audition days.

The talent show will return to ITV for its 18th series next year, with judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Tonioli resuming their roles on the judging panel.

British music star, YouTube personality and boxer KSI will fill in on three audition days, starting in Blackpool later this month, while Tonioli fulfils filming commitments in the US.

“I’m so excited to be a guest judge for Britain’s Got Talent,” said KSI, real name Olajide JJ Olatunji.

“When I got the call-up, I couldn’t believe it. I remember watching old BGT episodes and going from being amazed to laughing my arse off.

“I’m buzzing to see all the fresh new talent, and I’ll be sure to leave a mark.”

KSI shared a video on Instagram, mocking his call-up to the show with Cowell on the phone.

Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Tonioli, who replaced David Walliams on BGT, said: “Who better than a young, attractive, multi-talented star, known the world over, filling in for another young, attractive, multi-talented star, known the world over?

“In all seriousness, I can think of no one better to keep my seat warm than the wonderful KSI, even though I spend most of the show out of it anyway… I’ll be itching to get back to the judging panel for another year of laughter, tears and everything in between.”

It comes after singer Sydnie Christmas was crowned the winner of the show earlier this year, winning a £250,000 prize and a spot at this year’s Royal Variety Performance.