Britain’s Got Talent’s newest star Bruno Tonioli breaks silence on judging role as he arrives at first audition

BRUNO Tonioli has broken his silence on joining the Britain’s Got Talent judging panel after the first round of auditions.

The 67-year-old has replaced former judge David Walliams and yesterday joined Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon for the first time.

After his debut at the London Palladium, former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno said: “My old friend Simon, what an honour it is to work with you, finally.

“He’s teased me with this for years and years, I tell you. I’m thrilled to finally be here. I’m very emotional and I’m very, very nervous.”

Gesturing to Amanda and Alesha, Bruno added to the Mirror: “I am thrilled to be here, look at these girls, they’re stunning.”

It seems there’s no hard feelings between Bruno, Alesha and Amanda after The Celeb Report revealed the ladies’ fury over his salary.

We told how Amanda and Alesha were less than impressed after finding out Bruno was being paid the same as them – thought to be £850k.

A source said: “It actually wasn’t about the money, more the principle.

“They wanted to strike out for women in the industry, and ensure parity across the financial board.

“Amanda and Alesha are consummate pros and will embrace Bruno as a member of the BGT family.

“They just want to make the best series possible now, and get on with the job at hand.”