When viewers tune in to the 19th series of Britain’s Got Talent this year, they'll notice a fresh face on the judging panel—one that's already a household name to millions online. KSI, the 32-year-old musician, YouTuber, and boxer, has been officially announced as a full-time judge for the beloved ITV talent show, stepping into the spot vacated by Bruno Tonioli. It’s a move that not only reflects the changing tides of celebrity but also signals a new era for the long-running series.
KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunj, is no stranger to the limelight. According to Metro, he was photographed at the show’s photocall at Ham Yard Hotel in central London on February 12, 2026, just days before the new season’s premiere. But while he’s graced the BGT stage before in guest appearances and special segments, this marks his first time as a permanent panelist.
His appointment comes on the heels of Bruno Tonioli’s departure. Bruno, the exuberant Italian choreographer and former Strictly Come Dancing judge, joined Britain’s Got Talent in 2023, filling the shoes of David Walliams. After three seasons, Tonioli announced in September 2025 that he wouldn’t return for series 19, citing scheduling conflicts with Dancing With The Stars in the US, where he also serves as a judge. In a heartfelt statement reported by Radio Times, Bruno said, “After three incredible series, I’ve sadly had to walk away from a job which has opened my eyes to so much incredible talent and step down as a judge on BGT. And whilst I look forward to filming a new series of Dancing with the Stars in the US, I will miss the chaos and joy that BGT brings, as well as all the wonderful people I’ve had the privilege of working with. They truly are a brilliant team who make brilliant television, and I know KSI will be a fantastic judge too, as he’s already proven this year.”
The show itself responded warmly, stating, “After three fabulous series, Bruno Tonioli is stepping down as a #BGT Judge due to filming commitments. His time with us has been truly SEN-SA-TION-AL! Thank you, Bruno, we’ll miss you!”
With Tonioli’s exit, the show needed a judge who could bring both star power and a fresh perspective. Enter KSI. As ITV noted, his guest appearance during the 18th series was a hit with audiences, who loved his infectious energy and enthusiasm on the panel. Now, as he joins returning judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon, anticipation is high for what he’ll bring to the table.
“I’m so grateful and happy to be a part of the Britain’s Got Talent team for another season,” KSI said in a statement covered by Radio Times. “I had such a good time last year and I can’t wait to see some more top talent. I’m full of energy, ready to go and can’t wait to make this the most entertaining BGT season ever! Let’s do this.”
KSI’s journey to mainstream stardom is a modern tale. He first rose to fame in the early 2010s on YouTube, creating content around video games—most notably FIFA—and comedy sketches. Over the years, his digital audience ballooned, making him one of the UK’s biggest online personalities. As Metro details, he’s since diversified, co-founding the Sideman collective and launching the energy drink Prime, further cementing his position as a mainstream entertainer.
But KSI isn’t just an internet sensation. He began releasing music in 2015, and his debut studio album, Dissimulation, dropped five years later, charting at number two in the UK. His follow-up, All Over the Place, saw its single reach number one. KSI has collaborated with major artists and performed at prominent venues, showing that his talents extend well beyond the digital sphere.
His transition to the judge’s seat on Britain’s Got Talent is part of a broader trend of internet stars crossing into mainstream entertainment. He follows in the footsteps of other digital personalities, such as Angry Ginge on I’m A Celebrity and George Clarke on Strictly Come Dancing. For BGT, which has always thrived on reinvention and surprise, KSI’s appointment is both a nod to the changing face of fame and a strategic move to engage younger viewers who grew up watching him online.
The 19th series premiered on February 21, 2026, at 7pm on ITV1, ITVX, and STV. The core format remains unchanged: hopefuls from across the UK (and sometimes beyond) take to the stage to show off their talents, all for a shot at the grand prize—£250,000 and a coveted spot at the Royal Variety Performance. Ant and Dec, the show’s beloved presenters, are back as well, having recently assured Simon Cowell they’d never leave (a promise fans are surely grateful for).
As the curtain rises on this new chapter, there’s plenty of buzz about what to expect. KSI’s massive online following is expected to bring a surge in social media engagement, with fans likely to weigh in on performances, judges’ decisions, and all the drama that unfolds. The show’s producers are leaning into this, hinting at more interactive features and digital content to complement the televised episodes.
Meanwhile, the rest of the panel remains a blend of the familiar and the fresh. Simon Cowell, the show’s creator and ever-present judge, continues to bring his signature mix of candor and showmanship. Amanda Holden, known for her wit and occasional headline-grabbing remarks (she recently took a swipe at two ‘boring’ Strictly Come Dancing presenter frontrunners), is back as well, alongside Alesha Dixon, whose warmth and expertise have made her a fan favorite.
Before his full-time appointment, KSI had never been a permanent judge on BGT, though he’d made several guest appearances and contributed to special segments. Now, he steps into a role that could shape the show’s tone and direction for seasons to come. If his track record is any indication, viewers can expect a judging style that’s energetic, honest, and deeply engaged with the acts on stage.
For all the changes, some things about Britain’s Got Talent remain reassuringly constant. The stage will once again play host to a dizzying array of performers, from singers and dancers to magicians and comedians, all vying for their big break. The stakes—£250,000 and a spot at the Royal Variety Performance—are as high as ever.
As the new season gets underway, all eyes are on KSI and the impact he’ll have on one of the UK’s most cherished talent competitions. Whether he’ll become a long-time fixture on the panel remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: this year’s BGT is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about yet.