ALL-SEEING EYES: 'FORGET THE SMOKE AND MIRRORS - FOCUS ON THE SKATING'

ASHLEY BANJO, PHILLIP SCHOFIELD AND TORVILL AND DEAN RETURN WITH ANOTHER EXCITING SEASON OF THRILLS AND SPILLS IN DANCING ON ICE

ASHLEY BANJO

When Ashley joined the judging panel in 2018, he couldn't have imagined he'd still be on it five years later - and a viewers' favourite, as well. "I still remember my first series and being the new boy and now I feel like I'm part of the Dancing On Ice furniture," he tells us. "I don't massively enjoy giving people critique, but I love seeing their progress. Plus, I get the best seat in the house - I get to sit with Jayne and Chris, legends of ice."

Ashley, 34, has also hit it off with new colleague Oti Mabuse. "The last series was all laughs on and off stage because of Oti," he says. "I just loved her energy. She's not just an expert performer, but an expert in partnering. She understands what it's like to go through this process, learning a new skill, being partnered with a professional and doing it under pressure."

While Ashley reveals his own dream celebrity on the ice - "Matt Hancock," he laughs - could he be tempted to transfer from the judging panel to the rink?

"Probably, because I love a challenge," he admits. "I think there are always new things to try. I'm nearly 15 years in from winning Britain's Got Talent and we're doing new things all the time. Last year we performed at the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee." 

But if he did strap on his skates, Ashley insists he would be in it to win. "That's very revealing of me - you've asked me would I take part and all I heard was would you win it?" he laughs. "Yes, I would absolutely do it. Would I win it? I don't know if I'd be good enough."