‘My daughter loves Dancing On Ice!'

Show judge Ashley Banjo gives us all the gossip on this year’s series and reveals the celebs he wants to put their skates on next

Few Britain’s Got Talent stars have had the success of Ashley Banjo. Since storming to victory in 2009 leading dance troupe Diversity’s incredible routines, the 32-year-old has sold out arena tours and fronted his own shows.

Now, he’s sitting in a judge’s seat himself on the panel of ITV hit Dancing On Ice – and he still can’t believe his luck. “I wake up and think, ‘Wow!’” Ashley tells new as we catch up over Zoom. “I’ve worked really hard, but I’m really lucky that I get to do this as a job and still enjoy it.”

Meanwhile, at home, he’s a doting dad to his two children – daughter Rose, who is two this month, and son Micah, 11 months – with his wife of five years, Francesca. And he loves the fact that he’s part of a show the entire family can enjoy.

We caught up with Ashley to chat about how things are heating up on the ice and who he wants to see compete next, why he can’t wait to share more memorable moments with his family and which reality shows he would give a go...

Hi, Ashley. Dancing On Ice is just what people need at the moment…

Yeah, and that includes all of us. The crew are working so hard to make it happen in these times and it’s just nice and some kind of normality. It’s something that’s so unimportant, but also so important.

Which contestant has surprised you the most?