Tonioli, 67, recently replaced comedian David Walliams on the panel of Britain’s Got Talent, alongside Simon Cowell, Alisha Dixon and Amanda Holden.

The pair previously worked together on sketch shows Little Britain and Come Fly With Me.

The choreographer and dancer will join Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon.

A spokesperson for BGT said that no final decision had been made around the 2023 judging line-up.

The comedian said his comments were part of private conversations and were never intended to be shared.