Amanda Holden has responded to swirling rumours that she and new Britain's Got Talent judge Bruno Tonioli don't get on.
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Bruno 67, is returning to British Saturday night TV after landing the lucrative job to replace David Walliams on the ITV panel.
He has been busy filming the first auditions at the London Palladium alongside fellow panellists Alesha Dixon and Simon Cowell over he last week - but there is speculation that Amanda and the new arrival don't always see eye-to-eye.
Amanda, 51, and co-star Alesha, 44, reportedly held back on signing their contracts for the new series, setting alarm bells ringing and tongues wagging.
The pair were said to be annoyed that Bruno had been brought in on the same money as them after they've been with the show for over ten years.
Putting rumours to bed, Amanda said she is loving what Bruno brings the table - even if the Italian choreographer has been breaking the show's rules.
“He’s a wonderful ball of energy and in a good way he’s already broken every rule," she told The Sun.
“So much so that Simon will probably have to throw out any rulebook this year.
“It’s going to be a brilliant series. We’ve only filmed auditions in London so far but we can't wait to get to Manchester for the first time since the pandemic hit.”
Children’s author David, 51, had been part of the judging lineup since 2012.
He said sorry for his nasty remarks after a leaked transcript of the offensive comments made during an audition show came to light.
He apologised in a statement, reading: “I would like to apologise to the people I made disrespectful comments about during breaks in filming for Britain’s Got Talent in 2020.
"These were private conversations and – like most conversations with friends – were never intended to be shared. Nevertheless, I am sorry.”
Bruce clearly can't wait to get going and posted last week: “Here we are, Britain’s Got Talent. I am so excited. It’s my first show, I have no idea what’s going to happen, but I’m sure it’s going to be brilliant.”
His decision to join BGT sees him follow in the footsteps of Alesha, who was a judge on Strictly for three years after winning the show in 2007.
Bruno, who is based in Los Angeles, was known on Strictly for his funny and passionate verdicts which often involved energetic arm-waving.
But he caused uproar by falling off his chair more than once and Simon hopes he'll create more headlines on the show.
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