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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Amy Denman

Bruno Tonioli sparks Britain's Got Talent chaos: Golden Buzzer blunder and Alesha Dixon clash

Bruno Tonioli is already causing a stir in his new role as a judge on Britain's Got Talent – and he's only been on the job for a few days.

The Mirror exclusively revealed the former Strictly Come Dancing judge, 67, would be taking over David Walliams as judge on the ITV show before auditions began.

Bruno joins Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon on the panel – replacing David, 51, who quit after he apologised following leaked comments he made about contestants in 2020.

And Bruno has clearly taken the opportunity with open arms as he has already pressed his Golden Buzzer and been told off by a fellow judge, according to reports.

Bruno reportedly made history on his first day as he is said to have pressed the Golden Buzzer before an act had even completed their performance.

Bruno Tonioli is taking BGT by storm after just two days on the job (ITV)
Bruno is said to have made history during his first day on the job (Tim Merry/Daily Mirror)

He is said to have got "over excited" when a dance group came on stage and hit his Golden Buzzer button before the fellow judges were able to give their verdict.

The Golden Buzzer gesture from Bruno means the act will be going straight through to the live semi-finals of the show.

Bruno is said to have apologised after hitting the button and said it had to "follow his heart", which was "exploding".

Bruno is said to have pressed his Golden Buzzer in the middle of an act (PA)

However, head judge Simon is said to have been unfazed by the move as he said: "That’s never actually happened, you’ve made BGT history. Usually the golden buzzer is pressed after you’ve performed.

"But Bruno was too excited and decided to press it while you were performing," The Scottish Sun reports.

And it wasn't just Bruno's Golden Buzzer stunt which hit the headlines, as the judge is also reported to have been 'told off' by fellow judge Alesha, 44.

It has been claimed Alesha, who worked with Bruno on Strictly from 2009 until 2011, told the new judge to sit back down before eventually having to push him back into his seat as he became over excited during auditions yesterday.

Alesha is said to have given Bruno a telling off (ITV)
Alesha and Bruno worked together on Strictly Come Dancing (BBC)

However, the telling off didn't seem to bother Bruno as he reportedly said: "I’ve had so much fun, I’ve already been told off. I’m loving it!"

Bruno is said to have also tried to have handed out another Golden Buzzer before being told no. The judge then reportedly urged head judge Simon, 63, into pressing his.

Meanwhile, he may have been full of praise for some acts but is then said to have been rather harsh on others.

Bruno is said to have made a comment that a choir "didn't blend well" before being told the feedback was unfair as it was difficult to "sort technical aspects straight away".

Bruno replaces David Walliams on the panel (ITV)

This week, the BGT judges have travelled to the London Palladium – including Amanda who showed up in style yesterday – for the first lot of auditions for the new series.

More auditions will take place in Salford, Manchester in February.

While the series is yet to air, fans are already excited for Bruno's Britain's Got Talent debut as one tweeted: "okay i’m actually so excited for Bruno on BGT lol".

Another added: "I think Bruno will bring a new flavour to the show which I think it needs. Bruno has worked in theatre he's an experienced dancer and has some singing background too. I also like his energy. I can't wait to watch him on the show in April. #BGT".

And a third penned: "Big shoes to fill! Good luck Bruno can’t wait to see you!"

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