Bruno Tonioli has been officially confirmed as the new judge on Britain's Got Talent as filming for the new series gets underway.

The former Strictly Come Dancing judge joins the show as replacement for David Walliams, who announced last month that he would be leaving his role after a 10-year stint.

Comedian Alan Carr had been reportedly lined up for the fourth judging spot but Tonioli emerged as a late contender and was present on Tuesday as auditions got underway in London.

Appearing alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon, he told the audience at the London Palladium: "I am thrilled to be here. Look at these girls (Holden and Dixon), they're stunning and it's my old friend Simon. What an honour it is to work with you finally. He's teased me with this for years, years and years and years. I tell you honestly I'm thrilled to be here and very, very nervous."

London auditions continue this weekend, before the show moves to Manchester for a series of auditions early next month.

The new series is due to begin on ITV1 in April.