Bruno Tonioli has hit back at speculation he won’t appear on the next series of Britain’s Got Talent.
After the show came to an end last month, reports were rife the judging line up for the 18th series could undergo a shake up as filming for auditions later this year would clash with Dancing With The Stars in the US.
But a source told MailOnline that Bruno defiantly declared: ‘I’m not going anywhere. I will be back with bells on’, when asked about whether his job was at risk.
The former Strictly judge, 68, appeared at the Kiss Me, Kate opening night at the Barbican theatre on Tuesday.
Bruno appeared in high spirits as he posed in a pink suit, sheer vest top and sunglasses as he joined the likes of Lizzie Cundy and Frank Skinner on the red carpet.
Bruno Tonioli has hit back at speculation he won’t appear on the next series of Britain’s Got Talent (pictured on Tuesdaty at Adrian Dunbar’s opening night of Kiss Me, Kate)
Reports were rife the judging line up for the 18th series could undergo a shake up (pictured with Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell and Ant and Dec)
But a source told MailOnline, Bruno defiantly declared: ‘I’m not going anywhere. I will be back with bells on’, when asked about whether his job was at risk
Line Of Duty actor Adrian Dunbar, 65, won rave reviews following the performance in the show.
Bruno’s evening out comes after Simon Cowell also shut down the rumours as he confirmed 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.’
Clearing up the rumours, host Jamie Theakston asked the star: ‘I’m going to read you a headline from one of the papers today Simon… “Britain’s Got Talent set to drop judge, Bruno”.’
As Simon said 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.
Bruno appeared in high spirits as he posed in a pink suit, sheer vest top and sunglasses as he joined the likes of Lizzie Cundy and Frank Skinner on the red carpet
Lizzie looked glamorous in a white pencil skirt as she joined Bruno to watch the play
Bruno accidentally dropped his box of cigarettes but was helped out by Frank when it came to picking them up
Line Of Duty actor Adrian Dunbar, 65, won rave reviews following the performance in the show (pictured with co-star Stephanie J. Block)
Bruno’s evening out comes after Simon Cowell also shut down the rumours as he confirmed that the Italian choreographer will be returning next year on Heart Radio
Bruno will miss some auditions due to filming clashes with Dancing With The Stars in the US but ‘isn’t going anywhere’ when it comes to BGT
Alan Carr revealed last year he confronted Simon after he was snubbed as the new Britain’s Got Talent judge
‘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’.
Alan revealed last year he confronted Simon 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.’
