Britain’s Got Talent judge ‘dropped’ from panel with ITV already eyeing up a replacement

Bruno Tonioli is reportedly not returning to judge Britain's Got Talent next season and a huge TV personality is set to fill his seat.

The reason why Bruno is reportedly getting the axe is that the hit ITV competition show is undergoing a £100million shake-up.

Part of this pricey revamp sees the show changing dates, which, annoyingly for Bruno and his beloved fans, means a filming clash now stands in the way of his return.

Recent runs of the show have aired from mid-April to early June, but it will now be screened later in the year, replacing Saturday Night Takeaway.

A source told The Sun: “Once it became clear auditions were starting in October, as opposed to January as per the previous 17 series, it became clear Bruno may not be able to take part.

“He’s committed to the US, but the new format for BGT is non-negotiable because the show will effectively be replacing Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway," they went on to explain.

The insider pointed out how “Bruno has been a real hit with his fellow judges and viewers" noting that it "would be incredibly sad" to say goodbye to him as a judge.

This would mean there is one empty chair to fill next to judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon and ITV seem to have the perfect person in mind.

Alan Carr, who was reportedly in talks with Simon last year about joining the panel before Bruno landed the role, is one of the names flying around but the source added that “conversations have only just begun”.

Alan, 47, has proved he will fit in perfectly with at least one of the judges - being Amanda.

The duo recently worked together on BBC travel shows like Amanda and Alan's Italian Job and shared incredible chemistry on screen.

Despite it being early days the insider pointed out: “Alan Carr is a name that has been mooted - his chemistry with Amanda is already a winning formula - and he would bring a fantastic comic edge to the panel," as they declared, “A decision will have to be made in the coming weeks.”

Express.co.uk has reached out to ITV and Bruno for comment.