31 May 2026<\/time>\n <\/p>\nKSI is leaving the Sidemen after more than a decade.<\/p>\n
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KSI is leaving the Sidemen after more than a decade<\/p>\n
Describing the decision as \u201cpainful\u201d and admitting he needs to focus on his health, family and work-life balance,\u00a0<\/p>\n
the 32-year-old Britain\u2019s Got Talent judge \u2013 real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji \u2013 revealed in a video released online he will no longer appear in Sidemen videos.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The YouTube star, musician, boxer and now reality show judge said the choice had taken months of consideration.\u00a0<\/p>\n
KSI said: \u201cThis is honestly the hardest video I\u2019ve ever had to make in my life. I’ve gone back and forth on this decision for a very long time. I\u2019ve spent months trying to figure out what the right thing to do is.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cBut 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\u2019t feel real.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHis departure marks the end of an era for the hugely successful online collective, which also includes Vikram Singh Barn, Joshua Bradley, Simon Minter, Tobi Brown, Harry Lewis and Ethan Payne.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nTogether, the group built one of YouTube\u2019s biggest entertainment brands, attracting tens of millions of subscribers, selling out live events and becoming the subject of a Netflix documentary charting their rise to fame.<\/p>\n
\nReflecting on the group\u2019s origins, KSI recalled the early years when the creators were uploading gaming videos and playing Grand Theft Auto without any expectation of becoming global internet stars.<\/p>\n
\nHe added: \u201cThe Sidemen have been such a huge part of my life for over 12 to 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. We built something that none of us ever thought was possible, especially back then when we were making random videos together and playing GTA.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI still remember those early days with no idea that tens of millions of people were going to be watching us on the channel. And somehow, that turned into an incredible journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe Sidemen have expanded far beyond gaming content since launching in 2013, becoming one of the most influential creator groups in the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nIn 2024, the collective became the focus of a Netflix documentary examining their growth from amateur YouTubers to mainstream entertainment figures.<\/p>\n
\nKSI\u2019s departure comes during a particularly busy period in his career.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nIn addition to continuing his music career, which has included collaborations with Craig David and a string of chart successes, he has remained one of the most recognisable figures in crossover boxing following high-profile bouts against Logan Paul and Tommy Fury.<\/p>\n
\nMore recently, KSI joined the judging panel of Britain\u2019s Got Talent full-time after previously appearing as a guest judge.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nHe sat alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon on the latest series of the ITV talent competition, replacing Bruno Tonioli.<\/p>\n
\nAddressing the reasons behind his decision to quit the Sidemen, KSI insisted there had been no falling out within the group.<\/p>\n
\nHe said \u201cnothing bad has happened\u2019 and declared the decision was \u201ccompletely my own\u201d.<\/p>\n
\nKSI added: \u201cOver the last few years, I\u2019ve felt myself being pulled in a lot of directions than ever before. Between everything else in my life, I feel like I\u2019ve been running at full speed at 100mph.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHe added: \u201cI\u2019ve spent so long trying to be everything for everyone. Trying to be everywhere. Trying to do it all. Trying not to let anyone down.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cBut somewhere along the way, I started losing the balance in my own life. I\u2019ve found it hard to make enough time for myself. I\u2019ve definitely found it hard to find time for my family. I\u2019ve found it hard to make time for the people I love. And I’ve realised that something has to change.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThanking his fellow Sidemen members and the team behind the scenes, KSI went on: \u201cThank you all for the memories. Thank you boys for the friendship. And to all of you watching, thank you.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThanks for giving the group a career beyond our wildest dreams. I hope you\u2019ll continue supporting the boys because they deserve it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHe added: \u201cBut 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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