Britain’s Got Talent’s judging panel could undergo a shake-up, according to reports.
The seventeenth series came to a close over the weekend when singer Sydnie Christmas was crowned the winner and took home the £250,000 cash prize.
With season 18 planned to begin filming later this year, insiders have said that Bruno Tonioli’s future on the show is at risk due to clashes on filming.
Bosses are said to be lining up Alan Carr, who was previously tipped to replace David Walliams, as a possible replacement if Bruno cannot commit to another series.
“Once it became clear that auditions would begin in October, as opposed to January like the previous 17 series, it became clear that Bruno might not be able to take part,” a source said. Sun.
BGT jury could undergo shake-up as Bruno Tonioli’s place is at risk, according to reports (Bruno with Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell and Ant and Dec)
Bosses are said to be lining up Alan Carr, who was previously tipped to replace David Walliams, as a possible replacement if Bruno cannot commit to another series.
‘He’s committed to the US, but BGT’s new format is non-negotiable because the show will effectively replace Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. Bruno has been a real hit with his fellow judges and viewers, so it would be incredibly sad to see him go.
“Alan Carr is a name that has been debated (his chemistry with Amanda is already a winning formula) and would bring a fantastic comedic touch to the panel.
“In the coming weeks a decision will have to be made.
MailOnline has contacted Britain’s Got Talent, Bruno and Alan’s representatives for comment.
Alan revealed last year that he confronted Simon Cowell after he was snubbed as the new Britain’s Got Talent judge.
The comedian, who was approached for the role before it was handed to Bruno, without him telling him, bumped into Simon at Amanda Holden’s house just a week later.
Comedian Alan, 47, told the Mail: “Amanda Holden, the next week, said: ‘Alan, I’m having a party.’ I said: ‘Great.’ I love it.”
‘I walk in the door and, oh great, Simon is there. Oh shit. So, as I always do, in my best mood I walked up to him and said, “My wrist has been hurting all weekend practicing that damn bell and you went for Bruno.”
The former Chatty Man host then mimicked: “Alan, that’s showbiz.”
With season 18 planned to begin filming later this year, insiders have said that Bruno Tonioli’s future on the show is at risk due to clashes on filming.
Alan and Amanda have had success with their interior design show Alan and Amanda’s Italian Job on the BBC
The seventeenth series came to a close over the weekend as singer Sydnie Christmas was crowned the winner and took home the £250,000 cash prize.
Alan confirmed he met with ITV talent show bosses to replace David Walliams earlier this year and was hoping to get the job given his close friendship with Amanda translated well on screen.
The duo have had success with their interior design show Alan and Amanda’s Italian Job on the BBC.
He flew in after filming the BBC travel show with Amanda to meet Fremantle bosses.
Alan was so sure he had the job that he had even decided what clothes he would wear to the auditions.
However, Simon’s team decided to go with former Strictly judge Bruno, leaving ITV executives furious.
Alan said: ‘I had a meeting with them and they said, “Oh yeah…” and they said I would find out and then I didn’t find out on Monday that it was Bruno who had the job.
“I really don’t know what happened.”
A panel change could give the show a ratings boost after the series received the worst ratings in its 17-year history on Sunday night, despite Simon claiming it was the best finale he’s seen on a long time.
Bookmakers have also claimed the show is at risk of being axed after viewing figures plummeted.
Just 5.2 million viewers tuned in to watch the thrilling finale, which saw Sydnie Christmas crowned the 2024 winner.
This year’s series is now the least-watched series and has fallen from the peak in 2009, when 16.3 million viewers turned on their televisions to watch Diversity win the final over Susan Boyle.
According to Super TV, although ratings only fell slightly compared to last year’s 5.3 million viewers, there is a clear decline in the long-running show’s popularity.