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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Katherine Heslop

Britain's Got Talent judge Bruno hailed 'refreshing' addition as fans give verdict

Bruno Tonioli has been described as an "incredible addition" to Britain's Got Talent as the ITV show returned this evening.

Tonight's episode saw Bruno make his much-anticipated debut as a judge, after replacing David Walliams, who had been on the show for ten years.

Bruno got stuck straight in, leaping from his chair regularly, as he was known to do on Strictly, and joking with the audience.

He loved one dance act so much that he pressed the golden buzzer during Ghetto Kids' performance, which Simon said had "never been done before."

If an act is awarded the golden buzzer at the end of their audition, it grants them a place in one of the live semi-finals of the show.

Fans have reacted to Bruno's debut on the BGT (ITV)

Simon explained to Bruno that usually, the four judges speak after the act has been performed and decide together before the coveted button is pressed.

However, he later reassured Bruno, "It doesn't matter darling," as the new judge asked what the rules were for the golden buzzer.

BGT fans rushed to give their verdict on Bruno on Twitter, and waded in on the golden buzzer error, with many saying he's a great addition.

One person wrote: "Sorry but Bruno Tonioli is so much better than David Walliams."

Bruno replaced David Walliams (ITV)

Another fan said: "I don’t care if it’s not normal, Bruno pressing the golden buzzer during the performance was brilliant, so natural. #BGT."

A third viewer said: "Bruno is an incredible addition to #BGT. He is so hillairious and brings a level of chaos that the show needs. Very refreshing. His golden Buzzer moment proved what a great addition he is to the panel."

However, not everyone was keen, with some people asking why Bruno was hired if he hadn't watched the show before, as he admitted during the episode.

Another said: "Had very low expectations for #BGT tonight and feel although Walliams isn't missed that Bruno really doesn't bring anything to the table. The dance act were superb but everything else a bit meh, but an entertaining enough watch."

Bruno shocked his fellow judges when pressing the golden buzzer (ITV)

Simon has previously described the former Strictly judge as a "natural fit."

Speaking about his friend's debut, Simon said: "It was quite remarkable. Even though he'd never seen the show before, it was just brilliant."

"It was seamless and as I said before, he's brought some chaos to the show."

"But I'm kind of watching the show through his eyes again because he has never seen it and he's so excited. It really is great."

Bruno appeared on This Morning and told hosts Craig Doyle and Josie Gibson about his rocky start, and described the buzzer gaffe.

"I did it mid-flow, and the confetti exploded with the kids in mid performance. It happens, but by magic it gave them an extra push but it could have been a disaster, I could have been sacked!"

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