Britain’s Got Talent’s freshest face on the judging panel KSI received a seal of approval from Simon Cowell during the grand premiere of the brand new series.
As Series 18 comes into full swing, Simon, Alesha Dixon and rolled out the red carpet for YouTube giant KSI, as Bruno Tonioli temporarily steps away due to conflicting schedules.
The first episode, screening on Saturday (February 22), features a clip with KSI sharing warm embraces with Alesha and Amanda, who are clearly thrilled to have him join the BGT family.
To make the occasion even more special, the backstage area was festooned with a huge balloon arch proclaiming ‘Welcome to the BGT family’.
But it is the moment when Simon Cowell initiates a handshake that truly leaves the musician dumbfounded.
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KSI says joining the BGT team is “surreal” (Image: ITV)
The show’s dynamic duo, Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly, take turns introducing the judges to an eager audience. However, KSI confesses to the camera that being on the judging side is “weird” after years as an avid viewer: “Yeah it’s quite surreal ’cause obviously I’ve seen BGT for many years so to be on this side is kind of weird.”
As Ant and Dec prep KSI for his big entrance, the audience erupts in cheers, with fellow judge Amanda couldn’t contain her excitement, visibly hollering from her seat, reports Wales Online.
KSI had previously filled in for Bruno Tonioli during three days of audition tapings last year, as ITV disclosed, due to Bruno’s commitments with Dancing with the Stars in the States.
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The social media sensation is welcomed by his fellow judges (Image: ITV)
Reflecting on his involvement, KSI enthused about his guest judging stint: “I’m so excited to be a guest judge for Britain’s Got Talent. When I got the call up, I couldn’t believe it.
“I remember watching old BGT episodes and going from being amazed to laughing my a**e off. I’m buzzing to see all the fresh new talent, and I’ll be sure to leave a mark!”
Britain’s Got Talent returns Saturday, February 22 to ITV1 and ITVX at 7pm