Britain’s Got Talent's new judge KSI divides fans during launch show
He's replaced Bruno TonioliBritain’s Got Talent has welcomed a brand new judge on the panel, YouTuber KSI – but it seems viewers are rather divided…
The ITV show returned to screens on Saturday night (February 21) for a brand new series. Judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon were back behind the desk to share their thoughts on the budding stars.
Meanwhile, due to last year’s judge Bruno Tonioli quitting the show, he has been replaced by KSI — who previously appeared as a guest judge.
However, it appears that KSI has left fans of Britain’s Got Talent feeling divided.
KSI makes full-time judging debut on Britain’s Got Talent
On Saturday night (February 21) KSI made his permanent judging debut on the panel alongside Alesha, Amanda and Simon.
During the instalment, several contestants took to the stage to show off their talent, in a bid to take home the £250,000 prize, along with a spot at the Royal Variety Performance.
Simon even gave his first Golden buzzer of the series, after being wowed by para-athlete Paul Nunnari — who uses a wheelchair.
As for how singer and influencer KSI fared on the show, viewers quickly headed to X to share their thoughts.
KSI ‘brings so much energy to show’
“@KSI is seriously a breath of fresh air on #BGT, says it how it is!!!” declared one viewer.
Someone else added: “KSI has been the perfect fit for the BGT judges panel. He brings so much energy to the show and most of all he’s not afraid of saying how it is.”
A third chimed in: “KSI is so refreshing as a judge and gives his honest opinion.”
Another also penned: “So great to have KSI as a full-time judge. I loved him standing in for Bruno last year.”
Britain’s Got Talent viewers divided
Nonetheless, other viewers were not as keen. One person mused: “I turned the TV on and #BGT was on and it was kind of watchable but then KSI popped on and I had to switch it off immediately!”
A second unimpressed person penned: “Why did they add KSI to #bgt ? He’s so Americanised he’s annoying.”
A third commented: “Where do they get KSI as a judge? Useless..” A fourth wrote: “BGT is missing the humour. Personally not feeling KSI.”
Meanwhile previously speaking about joining the show, KSI said: “I’m so grateful and happy to be a part of the Britain’s Got Talent team for another season.
“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.”
Read more: Britain’s Got Talent 2026: How much prize money will the winner receive?
