ANCE CONTEST, WHILE
Tears as Banjo turns Mr Nasty
JUDGE Ashley Banjo’s comments have left Dance Dance Dance stars in tears backstage, we can reveal.
The Diversity frontman looks set to become the Mr Nasty of the panel thanks to his tough-talking approach.
London lad Ashley has been known for his laid-back persona since finding fame on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009.
But in an exclusive chat, he said: “I think I’m quite a tough judge. I need to be because the celebrities are so good that if I wasn’t tough I’d be giving out top marks every week. “I did make some of them cry. It wasn’t on purpose. I didn’t mean to do it. But it happened.
“The thing is, it’s not an easy process for them. We have seen how their relationships are tested. They are all put through a lot. It might only be a dance show but they are tested both mentally and physically.”
Ashley, who shares the judging with Tina Landon and Timor Steffens, reckons the show is a cut above Strictly Come Dancing because it doesn’t have any “joke” acts like Ed Balls or John Sergeant. He said: “They have to all have a certain level of skill. They have to be good or they wouldn’t be able to compete on the show. There are some better than others and some that have struggled.
“And then there are those who are having a really good journey. But it makes good TV because they’re all good.”
Dance Dance Dance, which sees celebs teaming up with a lover or close friend, struggled to pull in ratings even close to Strictly’s 11million viewers when it launched last weekend.
But Ashley is confident it will prove popular among younger viewers. He said: “When it comes to Strictly, it’s a case of chalk and cheese. Strictly has a grandeur about it. It’s old school whereas our show has a completely different feel to it.
“We’re not doing just ballroom. We’ve got film and theatre routines from across the years.
“The celebrities are recreating them on an amazing set.
“It’s just incredible.
“I think the younger viewers will be able to get into our show more.”