‘It’s always an emotional night’
Diversity’s Ashley Banjo on co-hosting the Pride of Britain Awards and why the night is so special
Ashley Banjo is set to become the first ever co-host of the Daily Mirror Pride Of Britain Awards, in partnership with TSB. The 33-year-old joins its usual presenter, Carol Vorderman, at the star-studded ceremony, which celebrates the nation’s incredible unsung heroes and is attended by royalty.
Ashley, who lives in Essex with wife Francesca, two-year-old daughter Rose and son Micah, one, has seen his career go from strength to strength since he led the dance troupe Diversity to victory on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009.
He went on to become a judge on Sky1’s Got To Dance and ITV’s Dancing On Ice, as well as co-presenting BBC game show
Can’t Touch This.
Here, Ashley reveals that his fellow co-host Carol, 60, is actually a good family friend and why he’ll battle his own tears of pride this year…
Tell us about your role in the Pride of Britain this year…
I feel like I’ve been a part of Pride of Britain for a few years now, but the chance to host it next to Carol, especially after the last couple of years, is a massive opportunity.
What do you think makes the show so special?
Sometimes it’s easier to look on social media, red carpets and television and see celebrities. But what I love about Pride of Britain is that everyone is there to celebrate the incredible achievements of people out in the world doing amazing things. I think that’s what’s right at the very heart of it.
You’re taking on a bigger role this year. Who are you most looking forward to meeting?
I just have a ton of respect and admiration for all of the winners. So I think I’m most looking forward to meeting these amazing people, seeing the looks on their faces and watching them experience a really special night, because they always have a great time.
What’s it like working with Carol?
I’ve known Carol for such a long time. She’s really good friends with my little brother and she knows my mum. Actually, she knows my whole family. She’s just a legend and a pro. She also looks incredible!
Have you got any standout moments from previous Pride of Britain ceremonies?
You know, we get great talent, big names, great stories. But there is always one kid on the night that just has a one liner that brings down the house.
So I’m looking forward to the unexpected.
Is it hard to not get emotional during it?
Absolutely. There’s no doubt about it – it’s always a massively emotional night.You hear stories, some of which just seem crazy, and you don’t know how the people have the strength to do what they do. And others you can relate to. It’s just a hugely emotional and inspiring night.
There wasn’t a Pride of Britain physical event last year. Will this one feel even more special?
Sometimes you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone, and I feel like the Pride of Britain is just one of those events in the calendar that always sort of brings you down to earth and makes you realise what is important in life. I think last year when we had no audience, it was still incredibly meaningful of course, but I’m looking forward to the energy of having everyone back in the room.
Lots of children are given Pride of Britain Awards. As a dad-of-two now, does it change the way you feel?
My kids are only two and one, but if they can grow up and I can raise them enough to have those sort of instincts… wow. Those little kids are heroes. It’s always massively touching when you see a kid do something for a parent and I can definitely relate to that differently now.
‘I just have a ton of respect for all of the winners’