Bruno Tonioli faces axe call from ITV BGT legend as they launch campaign to replace judge

WATCH HERE: Francine Lewis on Britain's Got Talent in 2013

ITV
Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 09/04/2025

- 16:04

Updated: 09/04/2025

- 16:42

The former Strictly judge took over from David Walliams on the talent show in 2023

Simon Cowell has been called to "get rid" of Britain's Got Talent judge Bruno Tonioli by a previous star of the ITV show.

Francine Lewis, 49, found fame on the show in 2013, where she entertained audiences with her celebrity impressions, which included Stacey Solomon and Katie Price.


She reached the final of the show but now thinks she should be on the judging panel alongside Cowell, 65, Alesha Dixon, 46 and Amanda Holden, 54.

She believes together they could be deemed "Simon's angels," with Tonioli, 69, given the boot.

Francine Lewis

Francine Lewis starred in Britain's Got Talent in 2013

ITV

The former Strictly Come Dancing judge replaced comedian David Walliams, 53, after he was axed after vulgar comments he'd made about people auditioning for Britain's Got Talent came to light.

After a leaked recording circulated, Walliams apologised for the remarks made against the acts, including one he called a "c**t".

Lewis doesn't seem to be a fan of the replacement though, and told The Sun: "I think the reason why that show is so successful is because of their judging panel. I really, really do.

"I understand why Simon kept it the same for so many years. Amanda is brilliant on that show.

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Francine Lewis

Francine Lewis believes she should replace Bruno Tonioli on Britain's Got Talent

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"I adore Alesha, she's just fantastic. But I miss David. I think when it was the four of them, David, Simon, Amanda, Alesha, they were the dream team."

She went on to admit: "I just don't feel it with Bruno. I've got nothing against him, but I just see Strictly for Bruno. He's not Britain's Got Talent.

"I want to step in as a judge for that, because I think it could be Simon's Angels.

"I feel like I've got the empathy. I've been doing talent shows since I was 11 years old."

She went on to demand a campaign, adding: "Let's get rid of Bruno now!"

Lewis began her career on The Big Big Talent Show, which ran in 1996 to 1997 and was hosted by Jonathan Ross.

Following her Britain's Got Talent success, she went on to land theatre roles in Bugsy Malone and Snow White.

In 2022, she starred in ITV's Deep fake Neighbour, portraying Kim Kardashian.

Britain's Got Talent

Bruno Tonioili joined the Britain's Got Talent team in 2023

ITV

Dancer Tonioli starred as a judge on BBC's Strictly from its debut in 2004 until 2019.

While he stepped away from the show, he continues to judge the US version, Dancing With The Stars, which he has featured in since 2005.

He made his Britain's Got Talent debut in 2023 and seems set to continue with the gig.