Britain's Got Talent has got off to a chaotic start before it has even opened the doors to auditionees as the 2023 series kicks off at the London Palladium tomorrow.
The long-running ITV show has been hit with a series of controversies involving its changing judging panel, with Bruno Tonioli 's arrival rumoured to be causing tension behind the scenes.
Last week the Mirror exclusively revealed Bruno, 67, had been chosen to replace David Walliams on the talent show.
Walliams left under a cloud last year after crude comments he made about a woman and calling a pensioner a 'c***' during filming for the show in 2020 were leaked.
The comedian's spot on the panel was filled by vivacious Strictly judge Tonioli - with head judge Cowell rumoured to have gone over his bosses' heads after they eyed up Alan Carr for the upcoming series.
Praising the addition of Tonioli, one source revealed: "He and Simon have long hoped to work together so this has proved the perfect opportunity.
"Everyone’s very excited," they claimed.
Rumours have since been swirling that Bruno's signing may have ruffled a few feathers with allegations that long-standing judges Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon are 'furious' that Bruno will receive the same wage as them.
The Italian is reportedly set to bag the same £850,000 salary as the mainstays – with Alesha, 44, joining in series six and veteran Amanda, 51, being on the show since 2007 when it first began.
The insiders have claimed the pair are unhappy that former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno has walked into the job on the same wage as them, despite their experience and longevity.
A source told The Sun : "It’s a bit of a headache for BGT given filming for the next series begins at the London Palladium on Tuesday.
"Bruno was still ironing out his contract on Friday too so it’s all very much down to the wire."
Alesha and Amanda were said to be holding back on singing on the dotted line until a replacement for David Walliams was confirmed and the pair are said to have since quizzed their bosses on their wage.
It has even been claimed an initial seven-figure deal for Bruno was lowered over fears of a backlash – but Bruno recieving the same amount as his fellow judges has also "caused a rift".
Meanwhile, there have also been reports of a 'tug of war' between BGT boss Simon, 63, and ITV over who to choose as a judge.
ITV bosses were said to have been left "furious" after they were overruled by Simon, who is a close friend of Bruno's.
It has been claimed comedian Alan Carr, who was a front-runner to nab the judging role, was told 'close up until two weeks ago' that he had the job.
And Bruno's signing has left the Chatty Man comedian, 46, "disappointed".
A show insider told the Daily Mail: "It is one the most peculiar events in showbusiness in recent years. Alan was told that he had the job and then all of sudden Bruno’s name popped up. It is so bizarre.
"Some ITV bosses are cross at the decision, their preference was Alan as did most involved in the show who were really over the moon at the prospect of having join them for series.
"They all wanted him but Cowell was against it, he wanted his friend."
Despite the recent reports, the judges are reportedly set to be heading to the London Palladium tomorrow to kickstart auditions for the new series.
The auditions will be taking place all week in the capital.
Meanwhile, further judge auditions are taking place in Salford, Manchester at the beginning of February.
