Britain’s Got Talent has released its first official photos of freshly minted judge Bruno Tonioli, ahead of his debut on the ITV show this year.
The former Strictly Come Dancing star has been confirmed as the talent show’s new judge after David Walliams stepped back from the position late last year.
Britain’s Got Talent returned to the London Palladium for its audition stage this week, with Bruno joining Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon on the panel.
Geordie duo Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly are once again returning to host the show from the wings, ready to cheer on and console the acts taking to the stage of the famous theatre.
As Bruno was confirmed as the new judge, he said: “Here we are, Britain’s Got Talent. I am so excited. It’s my first show, I have no idea what’s going to happen, but I’m sure it’s going to be brilliant.”
The show is returning this spring with its 16th series, promising to be back and bigger than ever before, with even more show-stopping performers vying to impress the judges and secure their place in the live-semi-finals later this year.
The show has told fans to expect the unexpected as the acts battle it out for the chance to scoop the massive £250,000 prize and perform at the prestigious Royal Variety Performance.
Introducing him at the London Palladium via Rocky soundtrack Eye of the Tiger, host Dec said: "We’re so excited to be back! We’ve got a bit of a change this year, a brand new judge on the panel!"
"I am thrilled to be here, look at these girls, they’re stunning," Bruno gushed as he gestured over to fellow judges Amanda and Alesha. "And my old friend Simon, what an honour it is to work with you, finally. He’s teased me with this for years and years, I tell you. I’m thrilled to finally be here. I’m very emotional and I’m very, very nervous."
Alesha quipped: "I think you should have a go at pushing the buzzer, welcome to the show!"
After pressing the buzzer, Bruno grinned as he said: "Oh, that was easy! I love that!"
Bruno is expected to triple his Strictly salary in the major ITV deal by netting a reported £850,000 for his time on the show.
A source previously told the Mirror that bosses were "thrilled" to have Bruno on the show as he has "all the right experience and his famous exuberance will go down a treat".
Bruno is still continuing to judge on the US version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars, which he will film in the Autumn.
