A palpable tension arose on This Morning during a conversation between presenters Alison Hammond and Bruno Tonioli, with guest Simon Cowell also involved.
The incident occurred when the discussion turned to contestant Max Fox, who was chosen from the audience in a first for the show last weekend. Hammond made a lighthearted remark about a lie detector test related to Fox’s performance, which Tonioli initially misinterpreted as an accusation that the audition wasn’t genuine.
The exchange took place while Tonioli and Cowell were promoting tomorrow night’s launch of Britain’s Got Talent‘s five semi-final rounds. Fellow presenter Dermot O’Leary appeared visibly surprised by Tonioli’s reaction, as the judge accused Hammond and Cowell of being “nasty.”
The situation escalated when Cowell jokingly offered to take a lie detector test himself to prove the authenticity of Fox’s audition. Hammond responded with a playful reference to the potential test, prompting Tonioli’s swift intervention. He stated, “Why do you always have to go for the nasty? It is not set up, my darling.”
Cowell quickly defended the hosts, clarifying, “They’re not being nasty,” and O’Leary echoed this sentiment, confirming, “Bruno, we’re not being nasty.” The exchange highlighted Tonioli’s apparent sensitivity regarding suggestions of pre-arrangement in the audition process.
Viewers watching at home were quick to react on social media:
- “#ThisMorning Bruno getting a bit prickly there!”
- “Oh Bruno…grow up.”
- “Bruno’s defensiveness makes me not want to believe it even more.”
- “Bruno wasn’t even there when Max auditioned, KSI stood in for him, so why he’s getting so aggy I don’t know…”
One viewer commented, “Swear he wasn’t even at the audition…” while another humorously observed, “Bruno being so far up Simon’s a**e is so funny. Mate, he’s playing along leave him alone.” (sic)
Tomorrow night marks the start of the semi-final rounds, which promise to be eventful. Notably, Auzzy Blood – one of the show’s most controversial acts this series – will be featured. His performance during the launch episode drew 680 complaints from viewers to Ofcom after reportedly leaving some children “screaming and throwing up.”
