Britain’s Got Talent’s 18th season brings excitement with a bumper line-up of contestants set to take to the stage – but one act left the judges fearing for Simon Cowell.
Bruno Tonioli was on the edge of his seat during the latest season of Britain’s Got Talent, especially when one risky act brought danger to the ITV competition, leaving him worried for Simon Cowell’s safety.
Despite nearing 70, Bruno Tonioli insists he’s still got the spirit of a teen, which is just as well given the shocks in store on the new bumper series of BGT where he joins judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, and Amanda Holden.
“This year we’ve seen some amazing acts that are absolutely astonishing on every level,” Bruno said with a grin. “Some are unbelievably grotesque, some are unbelievably inspiring.”
One performance, in particular, had Bruno’s pulse racing as he fretted over Simon’s wellbeing. “The great thing about this show is that you go from laughing to crying to being completely horrified,” Bruno chuckles. “One act had big hammers and axes! They were smashing things. That got me very worried, I wanted to stop it.”
He’s keeping the juicy details under wraps, but Bruno did share that all the judges and hosts Ant and Dec made it through without a scratch after the act was stopped and the health and safety team stepped in. “No judges got hurt, thank God! ” Bruno exclaimed with relief. “We’re all still in one piece.”
Alongside the nail-biting moments, Bruno teases that there are loads of heart-warming scenes and an unprecedented number of golden buzzers. “Filming every day is a surprise,” Bruno reveals. “You never know what is going to come up, the talent is incredible.”
Bruno Tonioli couldn’t contain his excitement about the talent on display this year, saying, “You get a little bit of everything but the level is incredible. I’m always excited about the dance side and this year there are some groups that are just beautiful. I’m so excited.”
He also shared some of the more unique acts that graced the stage, including a pole-dancing seagull, chuckling as he recounted, “There were some quite unexpected acts! ” But it wasn’t all laughs, as Bruno admitted that many performances were emotionally stirring, often bringing him and co-judge Amanda to tears. “I’ve been through those situations, I know how it feels,” he empathised.
“I’m not just a judge, I’m a participant because I know what it’s like. Amanda and I are the worst for crying.” Despite approaching a milestone birthday, Bruno feels as youthful as ever, declaring, “Personally I feel 21,” and “My brain still functions as a teenager.”
Reflecting on a career dancing with icons like Tina Turner and Sir Elton John, and now balancing Dancing With The Stars with Britain’s Got Talent, Bruno is confident in his prime and has no intention of stepping back anytime soon.
Bruno Tonioli candidly shares his thoughts about age in the entertainment industry, declaring, “Age is a state of mind,” and, “I don’t think about it. I can’t define myself by my age. I’m still as passionate and as excited about my work as I was 50 years ago. I’ll continue as long as people ask me to do it.”
The ever-youthful dance maestro recently had to skip out on a Strictly audition—filling his shoes briefly was internet sensation KSI, 31—as Bruno was tied up with commitments to Dancing With The Stars. But he’s not sweating over younger talent stepping into the spotlight.
Bruno asserts, “I don’t think people should predetermine what they should and what they shouldn’t do in relation to something that is a number,” going on to add, “You are you, and you keep doing what you’re doing regardless of this idea that you stop functioning after a certain time. I’m still going. If you have that passion and that determination and that willingness to learn, you should keep going.”
He encourages staying active and learning continuously, irrespective of age. Staying true to his belief, Bruno draws inspiration from Hollywood legends such as Clint Eastwood, 94, Kevin Costner, 70, and Dame Helen Mirren, 79.
He boldly states: “It is total nonsense. Ageism is a lot of rubbish because, in fact, the more you do this, the more you learn, the more experience you have in this industry. It actually makes you better. You have more to offer because there is nothing like life experience. Get over it.”