
After months of discussion about who might succeed David Walliams on Britain’s Got Talent, it appears Bruno Tonioli has agreed to terms.
Little Britain actor David, 52, reportedly left the programme last year after recordings of him making disparaging remarks about auditionees at the London Palladium in 2020 were leaked.
Rumours quickly circulated, with fans of the ITV talent show throwing their names into the mix for who might make the ideal judge.
Alan Carr had been the clear favourite up until now, and it was thought he only needed to finalise his contract to become an official member of the BGT family.
Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno, 67, is said to have beaten Alan to it, with show boss Simon Cowell’making it clear’ that he wanted the Italian star to fill David’s shoes.
The Sun reports that producers have been working on a deal with Bruno over the past week.
According to the site, his contract calls for a six-figure salary ahead of the start of Britain’s Got Talent auditions next week.
‘For almost two months, Alan was the favourite to take over from David, but Bruno was always Simon’s favourite candidate,’ a TV insider revealed.
‘Not only does he have years of judging experience under his belt from his time on Strictly, he will bring an outrageous brand of comedy that BGT needs on the panel.’

Of Bruno’s rumoured signing, the source added: ‘In so many ways this is already the perfect job for Bruno, as it sees him return to a glitzy showbusiness favourite that fits in with the rest of his work.
‘Sealing the deal was always down to him being presented with an offer enticing enough to make a commitment to the show.
‘After intense negotiations, they’ve managed to reach an agreement that will now see him return to prime time Saturday night TV in the UK.’

Bruno, who served on the Strictly Come Dancing panel for 17 seasons, will undoubtedly bring a wealth of judging knowledge to the BGT panel.
In the United States, he is a regular judge on Dancing With The Stars, having judged all 31 seasons.
Bruno would appear on Simon’s popular talent programme alongside regulars Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and, of course, Simon himself.
Despite Bruno’s other commitments, there isn’t expected to be any conflict with his BGT schedule, considering that the auditions are taped early in the year and the live finals are usually held in June.
Simon has supposedly spent years trying to sign up his long-standing acquaintance, but past deliberations never amounted ‘to anything tangible’.
Prior to the rumoured signing of Bruno, it was reported that the variety show will have to bring in guest judges, with producers thought to be in ‘panic mode’ as the start date approaches.