KSI announces he's stepping down from huge role after Britain's Got Talent final
The YouTuber made the bombshell announcement online.
KSI has made the "painful" decision to leave The Sidemen, a British YouTube group, after 13 years. KSI, 32, was a founding member of the group when it was formed in 2013, alongside Zerkaa, Miniminter, TBJZL, Behzinga and Vikkstar123. Harry Lewis (W2S) joined shortly afterwards in early 2014, becoming the seventh member.
The Sidemen have expanded into various business ventures, with KSI recently becoming a permanent judge on Britain's Got Talent. Just one day after the 2026 final aired, the influencer has now confirmed he has decided to step back from The Sidemen. "This is honestly the hardest video I've ever had to make in my life," he said in a video posted on YouTube. "I've gone back and forth on this decision for a very long time. I've spent months trying to figure out what the right thing to do is.
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He continued: "But after a lot of thought, I’ve decided that I’m no longer going to be doing Sidemen videos. Today, 31st of May, will be my final Sidemen video. Even saying those words out loud doesn’t feel real.
"The Sidemen have been such a huge part of my life for over 12-13 years. For almost half my life, this Sidemen has been my second family. We’ve grown up together. We’ve travelled the world together."
KSI explained that the demands of his career and personal commitments has meant he can no longer give the Sidemen the time and energy they deserve.
He went on: "The truth is, nothing bad has happened. This decision is completely my own. Over the last few years, I’ve felt myself being pulled in a lot of directions than ever before.
"Between everything else in my life, I feel like I’ve been running at full speed at 100mph.
"I’ve spent so long trying to be everything for everyone. Trying to be everywhere. Trying to do it all. Trying not to let anyone down. But somewhere along the way, I started losing the balance in my own life."
He admitted: "I’ve found it hard to make enough time for myself. I’ve definitely found it hard to find time for my family. I’ve found it hard to make time for the people I love. And I’ve realised that something has to change.
"The Sidemen deserve somebody who can give 100%. And right now, I know I can’t do that. It just wouldn’t be fair to the boys.
"It wouldn’t be fair to you. And it wouldn’t be fair to myself. Walking away from something you love is painful. Trust me, it’s not been easy. But deep down, I know it’s the right thing to do.
"Those boys helped shape who I am today. And I hope in some small way I helped shape who they became too."
The boxer expressed gratitude to each member of the group, before thanking the crew and the fans who have supported them throughout the years.
KSI concluded: "But for now, I need to focus on myself, and I need to focus on fixing my work life balance, just so I can finally focus on my health, and finally make time to see my family and make time to see my partner.”
KSI rose to fame on YouTube, where he continues to attract millions of views. After establishing himself as one of the platform’s biggest stars, he expanded into music, collaborating with Craig David, and also pursued a boxing career, taking on high-profile opponents including Logan Paul and Tommy Fury.
He enjoyed a guest stint as a judge on Britain's Got Talent last year before taking on the role full-time in 2026, replacing Bruno Tonioli.
