Britain’s Got Talent boss Simon Cowell may reportedly be forced to axe Bruno Tonioli from the show after two series by ITV, despite him wanting his pal to stay.
The former Strictly judge, 68, who replaced David Walliams on the panel last year, is said to been branded by an executive at the broadcaster as ‘one tone and hysterical’.
According to The Sun producers now plan to take advantage of Bruno’s scheduling conflict for the next series due to his commitments across the pond filming Dancing With the Stars.
An insider told the publication: ‘Nobody else has been agreed upon or approached as a replacement, currently the question is just — do we keep Bruno at all?
‘There is much discussion going on. It’s nothing sinister, but maybe a change would be better.
Britain’s Got Talent boss Simon Cowell, 64 (R) may reportedly be forced to axe Bruno Tonioli, 68 (L) from the show after two series by ITV, despite him wanting his pal to stay.
The former Strictly judge, who replaced David Walliams on the panel last year , is said to been branded by an executive at the broadcaster as ‘one tone and hysterical’
According to reports producers now plan to take advantage of Bruno’s scheduling conflict for the next series due to his commitments across the pond filming Dancing With the Stars (L-R) BGT judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli
Before adding: ‘But Simon Cowell might insist he stays’.
MailOnline have contacted Simon and Bruno’s reps for comment.
An ITV spokeswoman said: ‘Any plans for Britain’s Got Talent 2025 will be announced in due course’.
While another source told MailOnline: ‘This year’s BGT was a runaway hit and Bruno played a big part in that. He is much loved by the audience, the acts, his fellow judges, ITV and Thames alike.’
Simon recently 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, 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”‘
An insider said: An insider told the publication: ‘Nobody else has been agreed upon or approached as a replacement, currently the question is just — do we keep Bruno at all?’
Simon recently 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
As Simon confessed the headline was false, Jamie pressed: ‘Okay, well, what of that isn’t truth?
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.’
It’s also been reported that KSI is set to stand in for Bruno on next year’s show in a bid to pull in a younger audience
Bruno (L) pictured on Dancing With The Stars alongside fellow judges Derek Hough (C) and Carrie Ann Inaba (L)
‘How much of a say does she have?’ asked Jamie, to which Simon quickly replied: ‘No’ and Amanda cried: ‘I have no say’.
It’s also been reported that KSI is set to stand in for Bruno on next year’s show in a bid to pull in a younger audience.
The YouTube influencer and boxer, 30, is reportedly in talks with ITV bosses to be on standby when there is a filming clash.
MailOnline contacted ITV and KSI’s reps for comment.
