Has Ashley Banjo left Dancing on Ice? Who is Ashley Banjo?
by Preethi S
Updated Feb 26, 2024
Has Ashley Banjo Left Dancing on Ice?
Ashley Banjo, known for his impressive dance career and judging role on Dancing on Ice, is currently on a break from the show due to commitments with his dance group, Diversity. The award-winning group, winners of Britain's Got Talent in 2009, is embarking on their most extensive tour yet, entertaining audiences across the UK.
The tour, featuring members like Ashley and his brother Jordan Banjo, Perri Kiely, Sam Craske, Mitchell Craske, Warren Russell, Nathan Ramsay, Starr Kiely, Georgia Lewis, and more, has successfully performed in various cities.
Unfortunately, their recent visit to Sheffield faced a setback as Ashley suffered an injury during an afternoon performance, leading to the cancellation of the evening show. Despite this setback, Ashley Banjo is anticipated to make a comeback to the Dancing on Ice panel for the upcoming semi-final on Sunday, March 3rd.
The semi-final will witness contestants vying for a spot in the final, scheduled to air on Sunday, March 10th, promising an exciting journey for both the performers and the audience.
Dancing On Ice
The sixteenth series of Dancing on Ice is set to premiere on ITV on January 14, 2024, following the show's renewal announced during the fifteenth series finale. Filmed in the purpose-built studio at Bovingdon Airfield, the upcoming season promises the return of thrilling ice-skating performances.
Notably, the series experienced a significant change as long-time presenter Phillip Schofield resigned from ITV in May 2023 after disclosing a relationship with a young male ITV employee. Stephen Mulhern, who previously filled in for Schofield, takes on the role of co-host alongside Holly Willoughby.
The judging panel, including Ashley Banjo, Christopher Dean, Oti Mabuse, and Jayne Torvill, remains intact, with Banjo briefly replaced by Johnny Weir due to Diversity's tour commitments. As fans eagerly anticipate another season of dazzling routines and icy drama, the sixteenth series of Dancing on Ice is poised to continue its legacy of entertainment and competition on the frozen stage.
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Who is Ashley Banjo?
Ashley Modurotolu Banjo MBE, born on October 4, 1988, is a prominent English figure known for his talents as a street dancer, choreographer, actor, and television presenter. He gained widespread recognition as the leader of the dance troupe Diversity, which clinched victory in the third series of Britain's Got Talent in 2009.
Beyond dancing, Banjo has showcased his diverse skills as a judge on the Sky1 talent show Got to Dance and co-presenter of the BBC game show Can't Touch This on Saturday nights.
Since 2018, Ashley Banjo has taken on the role of a judge on the popular show Dancing on Ice. In a notable moment, he stepped in as a judge on Britain's Got Talent, filling in for Simon Cowell during the live shows in September and October 2020.
This temporary replacement occurred as Cowell was recovering from an electric motorcycle accident. Banjo's multifaceted career and contributions to the entertainment industry have made him a respected figure, celebrated for his talents both on and off the stage.
Full Name
Ashley Modurotolu Banjo
Birth Place
Leytonstone, London, England
Born
4 October 1988 (age 35)
Occupations
Dancer
Choreographer
Actor
Presenter
Years active
2009–present
Children
2
Relatives
Jordan Banjo (brother)
Current group
Diversity
Dances
Street dance
Ashley Banjo and Diversity
In 2007, Ashley Banjo, along with his younger brother Jordan, co-founded the dance group Swift Moves, later renamed Diversity. His nickname "Chosen" reflects his role in the group. After winning the Street Dance Weekend 2007, Diversity gained fame by participating in Britain's Got Talent. Despite not winning the public vote, they secured victory in the judges' decision.
Their triumph earned them £100,000 and a performance before Queen Elizabeth at the Royal Variety Show. Following their success, Diversity received nominations in the Dance category at the South Bank Show awards and won at the Pride of Britain Awards.
In 2013, Ashley showcased his choreography skills by creating the tour "Limitless" for Diversity. Later, in 2021, he collaborated with Persil and Sky Nature to produce environmental awareness films.
Notably, in June 2023, Ashley embarked on a new venture, portraying the Tin Woodman in the West End revival of The Wizard of Oz. Throughout his journey, Ashley Banjo has not only showcased his dance prowess but also engaged in initiatives reflecting his commitment to the environment and diverse artistic pursuits.
Ashley Banjo Career
After winning Britain's Got Talent in 2009, Ashley Banjo took a break from school to focus on his dancing, and self-teaching routines from the age of 14. In a thirteen-year relationship with Francesca Abbott, a member of the Out of the Shadows dance troupe, they got engaged in 2014 and have two children, Rose (2019) and Micah (2020).
However, the couple announced their separation in December 2022. Ashley Banjo serves as an Official Ambassador of the United Dance Organisation and received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2022 New Year Honours for his contributions to dance.
His career extends beyond dancing; Ashley judged Sky1's Got to Dance for all five series, co-presented BBC One's Can't Touch This in 2016, and was a judge on ITV's Dance Dance Dance in 2017.
Since 2018, he has been a judge on Dancing on Ice. In 2020, he temporarily replaced Simon Cowell on Britain's Got Talent. Banjo's diverse roles reflect his significant impact on the entertainment industry, showcasing his talents in dance, television presenting, and judging
Has Ashley Banjo left Dancing on Ice - FAQs
No, Ashley Banjo is on a break from Dancing on Ice due to Diversity's tour commitments.
Ashley suffered an injury during a Diversity performance in Sheffield, leading to the cancellation of the evening show.
Ashley Banjo is anticipated to make a comeback for the upcoming semi-final on Sunday, March 3rd.
Ashley Banjo has two children, Rose (born 2019) and Micah (born 2020).
Ashley Banjo received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2022 New Year Honours for services to dance.