Ashley is all that Pride of Britain stands for ...I could not have a better co-host
Awards first for Carol
Carol Vorderman is the smiling face of one of the most poignant and moving nights in the showbusiness calendar. And for the first time since the pandemic, she is preparing to go back on stage to help honour the nation’s unsung heroes, in person, at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, in partnership with TSB.
This year, for the first time since she began presenting the awards 22 years ago, Carol has help from a co-host – Ashley Banjo, leader of dance troupe Diversity. And there is no one she would rather share the honour with.
Carol says: “I think it’s wonderful Ashley is co-hosting. He represents the best of modern Britain. I was in the jungle with his brother Jordan on I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and I’ve known Diversity since then.
“I can’t think of anyone better to present the awards with me than Ash because, not only is he a great entertainer, he’s a very deep thinker and feels this great responsibility.
“He’s all of the things Pride
Ashley has done so much in the last year and come through some controversy
Britain stands for, he couldn’t be more perfect.” Carol, 60, and Ashley, 33, have both faced abuse over the years, but have risen above it.
Last year, Ashley suffered racist bullying after Diversity performed a Black Lives Matter dance on Britain’s Got Talent, which they won in 2009.
Meanwhile, Carol has faced sexist criticism throughout her TV career, much of it for her appearance.
She says: “Ashley has done so much in the last year and come through some controversy.
“I’ve been there myself. It makes you very much a stronger person.
“When I was 39 in 2000 I wore a short blue dress to the BAFTAs. There was a whole chat show asking if somebody my age should wear an outfit above the knee.
“Even recently, I took a mirror selfie where I had leggings on and I was getting comments questioning whether I should be wearing them.
“It feels like half my generation think women can’t do certain things at a certain age, which is b ****** ks. I’ve always been a quiet rebel and never really conformed or wanted to act the way I was expected to.”
Carol, who has presented Pride of Britain for 22 years, suffered from long Covid symptoms, such as breathlessness, bloating and fatigue, after contracting the virus before the first lockdown in March last year.
But she has recovered and now does daily 10-mile walks around her rural Welsh home. She says:
“I’ve always looked after my health, but I’ve been ramping it up. I’ve embraced turning 60 and think it’s my time. I’m very grateful for everything I’ve done over the years and now I like focusing my time and money helping others.”
Ashley can’t wait to be at her side at the awards. He says: “I’ve known Carol for such a long time. She’s a legend and looks incredible. The chance to host the awards next to her, is a massive opportunity especially after the last couple of years. It’s also a really positive show to be involved in.”
This year’s awards will be the first in-person celebration at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London since 2019 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and will be shown on ITV, on Thursday, November 4.
Carol says: “Pride of Britain has always been about celebrating our winners so it’s going to be amazing seeing them be treated to a real-life night out this year.
“For many it is the first time in their lives they’re being properly spoilt. Last year’s awards just wasn’t the same with it being held virtually. So the night will be a proper celebration.”
Carol is thrilled that there will be a new award this year, championing our environmental heroes.
She tries to be as green as possible and has previously revealed how every house she has ever had has been “insulated to hell”.
Ashley, meanwhile, knows it will be a very emotional night, having seen how poignant and heartwarming the winners’ stories always are.
He says: “The winners are doing things that really matter out there in the real world.
“That’s what’s right at the very heart of it.”
The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards, in partnership with TSB, will broadcast on ITV on November 4, from 8pm.
CAROL VORDERMAN PRIDE OF BRITAIN AWARDS PRESENTER
I’ve known Carol for such a long time. She’s a legend and she looks incredible
ASHLEY BANJO CO-HOST OF THE PRIDE OF BRITAIN AWARDS