TV

Diversity frontman Ashley Banjo joins Dancing On Ice

The line-up is getting exciting

Next year’s Dancing On Ice judging panel just got a bit cooler with the news that Diversity founder Ashley Banjo is set to be nestled somewhere between ice skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.

Ashley and his body popping pals took away the Britain’s Got Talent crown in 2009 and since then he’s lent his dance knowledge to other shows such as ITV’s Dance Dance Dance and Sky’s Got to Dance.

Read more: Will Pru Leith also be joining the Dancing On Ice line-up 

But this is the first time 29-year-old Ashley will have judged moves on the ice, something that producers of the show are said to be “really excited” about.

Ashley is known for his top notch choreography skills, the ability to deliver good advice and, dare we say it, his pretty, pretty face.

But whilst he’s a very nice young boy (we know, we’ve met him) he’s not going to take any prisoners.

“Producers are really excited about bringing Ashley into the fold,” a telly insider told The Sun.

“As well as being extremely talented, he has a great eye for choreography and can deliver strategic advice objectively.

“He might be a charmer, but he’s not a push-over and isn’t afraid to tell a contestant if they’re getting something wrong.”

And it looks like Ashley has been getting his skates on and doing his homework with regards to his knowledge of ice dance as he recently popped to Sheffield to help some kids train at a Disney On Ice workshop, where he had a right hoot.

“The children let their minds run wild and the end performances were brilliant,” he said. “We even had Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse pop in to show off their dance moves.”

Read more: Ashley Banjo talks to Lorraine about cancer scare

But who else will be joining Ashley on the show is yet to be revealed although ex-judges Robin Cousins, Karen Barber and Ashley Roberts are all said to have been ruled out.

One thing we do know is that Phillip Schofield and sidekick Holly Willoughby will present the show.

Dancing On Ice is due back early next year on ITV.