Fans urge ITV to keep KSI as a permanent Britain's Got Talent judge after successful debut

Britain's Got Talent viewers were instantly captivated by an unexpected change to the judging panel during Saturday night's thrilling launch episode, as YouTube sensation KSI filled in for Bruno Tonioli.

The 31 year old internet star and professional boxer was called upon to step in for Bruno, who was unable to attend the Blackpool auditions due to a scheduling clash with Dancing with the Stars, the American version of Strictly Come Dancing.

KSI, who was asked to judge on the panel for the first time, quickly won over the audience with his infectious enthusiasm and "hilarious" comments on the unfolding auditions.

In fact, he was so well-received that some fans even suggested he should permanently replace Bruno, with many urging ITV to invite him back for a longer stint.

Viewers took to social media to express their admiration for the BGT newcomer. One fan enthused: "KSI was made for BGT," while another agreed: "Delighted that my one of my favourite TV shows is back! Great that KSI is a guest judge."

A third viewer chimed in: "#BritainsGotTalent How hilarious is KSI lmfao can we keep him as a full time judge! ! ! ! '" A fourth added: "Actually good addition adding much needed fun."

In a bid to tap into his massive fan base, Britain's Got Talent bosses enlisted KSI as a guest judge, leveraging his immense popularity across social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where he boasts a staggering 80 million followers, reports The Mirror.

A source revealed: "Their new judge doesn't just know a thing or two about entertaining, he has a colossal following who are largely young and tech savvy, which is just the sort of viewer that the show now thrives on."

"Britain's Got Talent has transcended traditional television, becoming a global internet phenomenon, with a mind-boggling 24 billion views of its clips worldwide, making KSI the perfect fit, given his music has been streamed an astonishing 2.7 billion times."

KSI himself hinted at a possible return in the future, saying, "Once I figured out what makes sense and my place, I kind of just ran with it and I got more and more comfortable and came into my own."

Reflecting on his experience, he shared: "It kind of reminded me when I perform or even when I'm boxing, I'd hear people screaming, shouting my name," according to The Sun.

"It was craziness like that, but it was cool. Even while I'm sitting there to hear people shout my name and have people asking for a photo and just enjoying the whole experience."

Hinting at a possible return to the judging panel, he added: "I really enjoyed the experience, and I don't know if they want me back. I don't know if I made a good impression. But if I did, and they do want me back, you know, I'm fully down! ".