ITV BGT Bruno Tonioli replacement race sees surprise new favourite despite Alan Carr reports
Alan Carr was tipped to be Bruno's replacement
ITV/GETTY
Britain's Got Talent fans were left divided when Bruno Tonioli became the replacement for David Walliams and left some calling for the show to end altogether - and now it seems some viewer's wishes will come true.
"Once it became clear auditions were starting in October, as opposed to January as per the previous 17 series, it became clear Bruno may not be able to take part.
"He's committed to the US, but the new format for BGT is non-negotiable because the show will effectively be replacing Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway.
"Alan Carr is a name that has been mooted - his chemistry with Amanda is already a winning formula - and he would bring a fantastic comic edge to the panel."
However, it now seems that even Carr may have been snubbed for the role with Youtuber, rapper and boxer KSI - real name Olatunji Olajide - now in the running.
The Youtuber is tipped to replace Bruno next year
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An ITV insider told the same publication: "Nobody else has been agreed upon or approached as a replacement. Currently, the question is 'do we keep Bruno at all?' There is much discussion going on."
According to Gambling.com, Tonioli has odds of 4/6 to not return to the show, leaving his odds at a return to sit at 6/4.
An ITV spokeswoman said: "Any plans for Britain’s Got Talent 2025 will be announced in due course."
KSI's odds at replacing Tonioli sit at 4/7, with Carr hot on his heels at 6/4, and Diversity dancer Ashely Banjo coming in at 2/1.
KSI found his fame after starting a Youtube channel with his friends - now amassing 130 million subscribers across their channels
At the other end of the spectrum is former BGT winner Susan Boyle with odds of 10/1, followed by Australian pop star Kylie Minogue at 8/1, and Simon Cowell's close friend Sinnta being given odds of 7/1.
GB News has contacted ITV for a comment.
It seems the rumours of Tonioli's departure have left a sour taste in some of his colleague's mouths as Cowells recently told Heart Breakfast hosts Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston: "I don't know where all this stuff comes from.
"I spoke to the producers literally two weeks ago about there [being] 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.
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Susan has the lowest odds of becoming the next BGT judge
ITV
"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. 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. He's coming back."