Ashley Banjo predicts he’ll be replaced by ‘eager’ Simon Cowell on Britain’s Got Talent 2022 despite landing Bafta TV nomination

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Despite proving popular with Britain’s Got Talent audiences when he took over from Simon Cowell in 2020, Ashley Banjo said on today’s Good Morning Britain he isn’t hopeful he’ll be back on the judging panel in 2022.

The long-running ITV series is taking a year off due to coronavirus restrictions making it near impossible to host the format, which sees an audience of thousands descend into theatres to watch a variety of acts perform for a spot in the BGT semi-finals.

However, the programme is expected to return in 2022.

Ashley stepped up to replace Simon after the music mogul broke his back during a bike accident last year, and was a huge hit with viewers.

After winning Britain’s Got talent in 2009 and proving his credentials as a judge, Ashley’s place on the panel seemed like a natural fit, but with Simon back in full health, will the Diversity star keep his seat alongside Amanda Holden, David Walliams, and Alesha Dixon?

Speaking to Susanna Reid and Alastair Campbell, Ashley said: ‘I think Simon is going to kick me out.

‘I think he’s healthy and recovered and probably eager to get back.’

Regardless, Ashley and his dance troupe Diversity are nominated for a Bafta TV Award after causing a huge reaction to their BLM inspired routine performed on the Britain’s Got Talent semi-final.

While millions applauded the spectacle that referred to landmark moments in 2020, including the death of George Floyd, it sparked more than 24,000 Ofcom complaints.

‘We’re going to try to win a BAFTA and I’m going to try to get back in Simon’s seat – kick him out,’ Ashley teased.

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV. Britain’s Got Talent will return to the same channel in 2022.

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