Ant McPartlin takes a swipe at judge Bruno Tonioli at BGT auditions after he’s replaced by KSI
SOCIAL media star and boxer KSI was a sensation as he made his debut on the Britain’s Got Talent judging panel.
As he took to the stage at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool — the first time the show has been filmed in the seaside town — he bounced into the theatre like he was about to have a bout in the ring.
The star, who is a temporary replacement for Bruno Tonioli, was given a rapturous response when he was announced after fellow judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon.
It left hosts Ant and Dec stunned, with Ant commenting: “Everyone’s thinking, ‘Bruno who?’. I’m joking!”
Bruno is in the US filming Dancing With The Stars and, though he’ll be back soon to continue auditions in Blackpool, KSI is filling in this week.
And it didn’t take him long on his first day to get into the swing of things, posing for a selfie with the audience — using a filter to put a pair of orange shades over his eyes, just like Simon’s.
Commenting online, KSI said: “The audience in Blackpool are absolutely amazing and I’m really glad I’m part of the band.”
He even got up on stage a couple of times and took part in a gymnastic performance, which challenged even his peak physical fitness.
Even more impressive, however, was his entourage of six people, including his enormous bodyguard who followed him almost everywhere he went.
And the guard had to be on his toes as KSI was swamped with youngsters looking for selfies — as well as the odd one from Simon, too.
The YouTuber, who has 80million followers across a variety of platforms from Facebook to TikTok, even got to hit his golden buzzer on the first day.
Without giving away what the act was, the audition — which will hit screens in spring next year — came from a woman called Stacey who cooks chickens inside a Morrisons supermarket.
KSI was quickly followed by Simon and Amanda, who also pressed their golden buzzers.
Looks like he’s setting the bar for everyone up there in Blackpool.
New Beeb crime series
A new crime series based on the Inspector Lynley novels is coming to the BBC.
Lynley will star Vikings’ Leo Suter and Ted Lasso’s Sofia Barclay as detective duo DI Tommy Lynley and DS Barbara Havers.
The four-part series is currently in the works.
Festive channel launch
IT’S not that cold outside yet, but in TV land, sleigh bells are ready to ring.
Seasonal channel That’s Christmas relaunched yesterday to mark the ten-week countdown to December 25.
And among the faces gracing its line-up will be Rik Mayall in BBC comedy Bottom and John Thaw in Goodnight Mr Tom.
The channel will also mark the 50th anniversary of sitcom Rising Damp and 35 years of David Jason’s A Bit Of A Do.
You can tune in on Freeview, Sky and Virgin.
Head of programming Kris Vaiksalu said: “Part of what makes Christmas special is knowing the evenings will be lit up with some of the greatest TV shows ever made.”
Charlie a good bet
FORMER Queen Vic barmaid Charlie Brooks looked to be channelling Corrie landlady legend Bet Lynch during Dancing On Ice rehearsals this week.
The EastEnders star seemed inspired by Julie Goodyear’s signature look, with leopard-print leggings for the training sessions, where she held on tightly to the instructor as she learnt the basics.
Charlie confirmed her appearance on the show earlier this month, telling Loose Women: “I’m going to embrace the spray tan.
“All I want to do is enjoy it . . . and try not to break my leg.”
Training for the next series of the ITV show, which will air in January, started earlier this month.
Charlie will battle it out against TV personality Ferne McCann, The Traitors star Mollie Pearce, Hollyoaks’ Chelsee Healey and Love Islander Chris Taylor.
Movie for the maestro
MOVIE composer John WIlliams – who was behind the music for Jaws, Star Wars, Jurassic Park and Harry Potter – will be the subject of a Disney+ documentary.
The film, available to stream on November 1, will feature commentary from filmmakers including Steven Spielberg.
Bojo in the BB house
AFTER multiple rule breaks and two housemates threatening to walk, Big Brother last night called for order by, erm, installing Boris Johnson.
But all was not as it seemed, it was just contestant Nathan dressed as the floppy-haired former PM for the shopping task.
Emma dressed as Margaret Thatcher for the game, while Daze became Theresa May.
Separately, viewers have been complaining to watchdog Ofcom over what they see as Marcello’s predatory behaviour towards the women.
Forget Prime Ministers, Big Brother may need a Pest Minister to get him in line.
The series continues at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.