Bruno Tonioli is leaving behind his role as a judge on the reality series “Britain’s Got Talent” and heading back to the ballroom ahead of the new season on “Dancing with the Stars.”
Tonioli announced his departure from the British series in an Instagram post September 1, revealing scheduling conflicts.
“Due to my prior commitment to Dancing with the Stars, I am sadly not able to be part of the next series of Britain’s Got Talent,” the post read. “I will miss everyone involved and wish them all the greatest success!”
Tonioli will be judging DWTS alongside Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough, with the season premiering on September 16. Tonioli and Inaba have been judges since the show’s initial airing in 2005.
Fans noticed during the season 34 cast reveal September 3 that Inaba was absent from the unveiling on “Good Morning America.” However, she has been confirmed to judge this season.
While Tonioli drops one gig, Hough is gaining one. Hough, who joined the DWTS cast as a dancer in 2007 and in 2020 as a judge, is set to host “Extra.” The show, which begins its 32nd season on September 8, is known for providing fresh takes on entertainment news, according to their website.
Fans Relieved After Bruno Tonioli Says He’ll Be Back on DWTS
GettyDWTS fans were quick to share their joy and relief in the comments of Tonioli’s post after he announced the BGT departure.
“I thought you were going to say you weren’t able to do DWTS this year … you scared me,” one user wrote.
“Bruno I thought you were going to say you couldn’t do DWTS,” another person commented. “So glad you’re back in the ballroom.”
“Glad you’re coming back Bruno. DWTS would NOT be the same without you!!” said another.
Hough shared the same enthusiasm, writing, “You’re all ours. Muahahahah,” in the comments.
BGT Reveals Who Will Be Taking Over Bruno Tonioli’s Spot
GettyBGT revealed Tonioli’s replacement ahead of the show’s 19th season in a video posted September 1. The video showed popular YouTuber KSI calling BGT judge Simon Cowell, saying he “needs” to come back to the show after displaying various clips of KSI hitting the show’s iconic buzzer.
“Well, then I have a suggestion,” Cowell said. “Please join us as a full-time judge on BGT in 2026.”
KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, stepped in as a guest judge on the previous BGT season, according to the BBC. Tonioli started on BGT in 2023, replacing David Walliams, who served for a decade as judge.
Tonioli also worked on the UK equivalent of DWTS, “Strictly Come Dancing,” before leaving the show after nearly 20 years in 2022.
Ahead of the new DWTS season, Tonioli shared a video of the cast reveal on Instagram.
“Get ready to be Dazzled,” he wrote in the caption.
