Bruno Tonioli Britain’s Got Talent Judge: Exit & Net Worth

Few television judges swap prime‑time seats as fast as Bruno Tonioli. After 15 years on Strictly Come Dancing and a stint on Britain’s Got Talent that lasted just three seasons, he’s already lined up a guest spot on Vanderpump Villa in 2026.

Age: 70 (born 1955) ·
Net worth: $9 million (est.) ·
BGT seasons judged: 3 (2023–2025) ·
Partner: Jason Schanne ·
Sexuality: Gay

The table below lays out the core biographical data for Bruno Tonioli.

What Happened to Bruno on Britain’s Got Talent?

Bruno Tonioli’s Departure Announcement

• Bruno Tonioli stepped down as a judge after the 2025 series – Wikipedia entry
• The announcement came shortly before the 2026 lineup was revealed – multiple reports

The exit was abrupt: Tonioli had joined only in 2023, replacing David Walliams. He judged three seasons, from Series 16 to Series 18.

The Replacement Judge

• For the 2026 series, Tonioli was replaced – the new judge has not been officially named at this writing
• The BGT panel otherwise remains Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon

Tonioli’s departure left a gap in the panel’s energy, but producers moved quickly to secure a successor.

Reasons Behind His Exit

• Scheduling conflicts with Dancing with the Stars were cited as a primary factor – Znaki.fm biography
• Physical demands of transatlantic travel reportedly took a toll – same source
• He also wanted to focus on dance‑centric projects – Znaki.fm biography

How Rich Is Bruno Tonioli?

Estimated Net Worth

• Celebrity Net Worth estimates $9 million – CNW database
• Znaki.fm reports approximately £8 million – Znaki.fm biography
• A separate estimate from Prake.org lists $10 million, though that figure lacks verifiable documentation – Prake.org salary page

Sources of Income

• Judging fees for Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing with the Stars, and Britain’s Got Talent
• Choreography for major artists including Tina Turner, Duran Duran, and the Rolling Stones – CNW database
• TV appearances (e.g., DanceX, Dance War) – Wikipedia entry

The implication: Tonioli’s wealth isn’t built on one show. It’s the sum of 20+ years of on‑camera work plus dance‑industry royalties.

Comparisons to Other Judges

• Simon Cowell’s net worth is estimated at $600 million, dwarfing Tonioli’s – multiple outlets
• Amanda Holden is reported to have around $15 million – comparable to the higher end of Tonioli’s range
• David Walliams, the judge Tonioli replaced, is worth roughly $40 million

The trade‑off: Tonioli earns less than his BGT co‑judges, but his career spans both the UK and US markets, giving him income diversity.

Is Bruno Tonioli LGBTQ?

Bruno Tonioli’s Sexuality

• Bruno Tonioli is openly gay – Znaki.fm biography
• He has never hidden his sexuality in public or on TV

Tonioli came out publicly in the early 2000s and has since been a prominent LGBTQ+ figure in the entertainment industry.

Public Statements

• He has spoken about the importance of being authentic on screen – interviews with UK press
• He credits his partner Jason Schanne with providing stability amid his hectic travel schedule

Tonioli’s openness has made him a role model for many, especially younger fans of reality competition shows.

Relationship with Jason Schanne

• Tonioli has been in a relationship with Jason Schanne since 2009 – Znaki.fm biography
• He resides in London and Los Angeles with Schanne – Znaki.fm biography

Why this matters: In an industry where private lives are often guarded, Tonioli’s decade‑long partnership is a rare example of steady personal commitment.

Are Simon Cowell and Bruno Tonioli Friends?

History of Their Friendship

• Simon Cowell and Bruno Tonioli have known each other for over two decades – mutual TV industry circles
• They worked together on Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor (Tonioli was a guest judge)
• Both share a love of flamboyant, unscripted TV moments

Cowell has publicly praised Tonioli’s energy, calling him “a fantastic judge” – that quote is widely reported.

On‑Screen Chemistry

• Their banter became a highlight of BGT episodes – visible to any viewer
• Tonioli often teased Cowell, and Cowell played the straight man

The pattern: Cowell values panelists who can generate light‑hearted conflict; Tonioli fit that role perfectly.

Mutual Respect and Support

• Cowell reportedly backed Tonioli’s decision to leave BGT – unnamed source
• Tonioli has said Cowell is “like family” – interview quotes

The catch: Friendship in show business is often pragmatic. But in this case, both parties have consistently spoken warmly of each other, making it one of the more genuine TV partnerships.

Did Bruno Tonioli Get Married?

Marriage Status

• Bruno Tonioli has never been married – Znaki.fm biography
• He has not publicly announced any engagement or plans to marry

Despite his long relationship, Tonioli has not taken the legal step of marriage.

Partner Jason Schanne

• Jason Schanne is a fitness trainer and personal manager
• The couple has been together for over 15 years – Znaki.fm biography
• They split time between homes in London and Los Angeles

Schanne often appears on Tonioli’s social media, though they maintain a relatively private personal life.

Future Plans

• No public indication that a wedding is imminent
• Tonioli focuses on career and health – “I want to focus on my health and other projects,” he said – reported

The trade‑off: Marriage might not be a priority for a man whose life revolves around transatlantic travel and on‑camera performance.

For fans of live‑audience talent shows, the 2025‑2026 transition marks the end of a short but memorable era. Tonioli’s exit leaves a void of unapologetic flamboyance on the BGT panel, but for the man himself, the decision appears pragmatic: fewer flights, more dance‑focused work, and a life split between two continents. For Britain’s Got Talent, the choice is clear: find a judge who can match Tonioli’s rhythm, or accept a quieter panel.