25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BGT's Bruno Tonioli issues blunt response to Ofcom complaints about ITV show
BGT's Bruno Tonioli issues blunt response to Ofcom complaints about ITV show
The Britain's Got Talent judge didn't hold back when it came to responding to criticism
Britain's Got Talent judge and former Strictly star Bruno Tonioli has addressed the slew of complaints received by Ofcom from ITV viewers regarding some contentious performances this year.
At 69 years of age, Tonioli, who sits on the judging panel alongside Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, and guest judge KSI, reacted following a wave of disapproval over several acts. Notably, Auzzy Blood's act drew approximately 700 complaints to Ofcom.
Auzzy Blood, the stage name of Austin Punton, left audiences reeling with a horror-themed audition that saw him inserting metal items into his face.
BGT judge Bruno Tonioli
(Image: ITV )
Equally startling was Akira Ohashi's performance, which involved nudity and elicited about 90 complaints.
Responding to the uproar, Bruno proposed that detractors might be better off engaging in quieter pastimes, such as "reading a book", reports Belfast Live.
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Speaking to The Mirror, Bruno expressed his outlook: "I don't focus on the negative. Social media? Forget it. Life is too short. Read a book!"
Bruno with the other judges
(Image: WireImage )
Bruno has previously come to the defence of performer Auzzy Blood, telling Metro and others: "It's presentation, to me – it was a bit like the Hammer House Of Horror feel, these movies that had this kind of wonderful, gothic feel to them."
He extolled the virtues of the controversial acts, remarking to the press: "These acts are huge in Vegas. It does make you squeal, but I don't think it's offensive. There is a lot of skill in what he does, and the way it's presented is quite fascinating."
Bruno revealed his enthusiasm for Auzzy Blood's performances, highlighting their thrilling unpredictability: "What is incredible, and what I like about the show is he's exciting. We didn't know what was going to happen, and it's open to all parts of what we call variety.
Auzzy Blood received compliants from viewers
(Image: ITV )
"There is historical precedence to it. It's not [just] shock value. It is something that is out there and it has been around within this canon of variety for hundreds of years."
In 2023, Bruno secured a spot on the Britain's Got Talent judging panel, taking over from David Walliams for the programme's 16th series after spending 18 years critiquing on Strictly Come Dancing.
David stepped away from his role on Britain's Got Talent following the release of off-screen comments made about participants. The statements, disclosed by The Guardian, were deemed derogatory and led to his exit from the popular talent show.
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Britain's Got Talent Final airs Saturday May 31 at 7pm on ITV1.
