KSI replaced former Strictly star Bruno Tonioli on the ITV talent show

KSI is on the Britain’s Got Talent judging panel(Image: ITV)

Britain’s Got Talent star KSI was brutally booed by the Blackpool crowd at the ITV’s programmes auditions over a ‘divisive’ comment he made towards a contestant.

Saturday night (February 21) marked YouTuber KSI, whose real name is Olajide ‘JJ’ Olatunji, debut as a full-time judge on Britain’s Got Talent. He was seated on the right hand side of the judging panel which also boasted Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden.

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KSI made his debut on Britain’s Got Talent last year when former judge Bruno Tonioli was filming Dancing with the Stars in America. He had to jump in again when Simon took time off following One Direction singer Liam Payne’s passing.

Having also made an appearance during the live semi-finals, KSI was confirmed as a full-time judge after Bruno announced in September that he’s stepping away from the series after three seasons, having joined the programme in 2023.

Former Strictly judge Bruno said in a statement at the time: “After three incredible series, I’ve sadly had to walk away from a job which has opened my eyes to so much incredible talent and step down as a judge on BGT.

“And whilst I look forward to filming a new series of Dancing with the Stars in the US, I will miss the chaos and joy that BGT brings, as well as all the wonderful people I’ve had the privilege of working with.

“They truly are a brilliant team who make brilliant television, and I know KSI will be a fantastic judge too, as he’s already proven this year.”

KSI at the Britain’s Got Talent photocall at Ham Yard Hotel, central London(Image: PA)

One act featured on Saturday night was parkour double act, Dom and his dog Ninja. Prior to emerging to the stage, they were seen in a video package doing flips and jumps around famous Blackpool landmarks.

Eventually arriving at the Winter Garden, Dom and Ninja left viewers delighted as they ran across the stage doing various tricks and flips. When it came time for the judges comments, KSI admitted that he wasn’t impressed with what he saw.

The crowd immediately erupted into boos, with KSI shouting back in response: “Don’t boo my cats!” KSI’s fellow judges appeared to be on the audience’s side, sending Dom and Ninja through to the next round.

Having his say on the incident, Dec said that KSI broke an unwritten rule, informing Ant: “You don’t say no to dogs on Britain’s Got Talent, KSI. It’s the rules.”

Those watching Britain’s Got Talent’s first episode of the year at home took to X, previously known as Twitter, to have their say on how KSI fared.

@ryanbirky1211 said: “Ksi is so refreshing as a judge and gives his honest opinion #bgt.” @alilsugapiastri added: “@KSI is seriously a breath of fresh air on #BGT, says it how it is!!!”

@VKohliPaglu wrote: “KSI has been the perfect fit for the BGT judges panel. He brings so much energy to the show and most of all he’s not afraid of saying how it it. #BGT #BritainsGotTalent.” @RyanSoapKing25 posted: “Here we go! I’m ready for the brand new series of #BGT. So great to have KSI as a full time judge. I loved him standing in for Bruno last year.”

@Semaaa_WL commented: “I can’t believe the dog act has got me agreeing with KSI. But yeah I agree with him, after the VT, the act was boring. Also stop booing cats!” @_alexandrachloe stated: “Don’t put all cat owners in the same boat as @KSI because we would’ve given that puppy a yes.”