Ashley Banjo makes history as first-ever Pride Of Britain co-host with Carol Vorderman

Ashley Banjo will co-present the awards next month (Picture: Getty/Rex)

Ashley Banjo will be the first-ever co-host of the upcoming Pride Of Britain awards with Carol Vorderman.

The 33-year-old Diversity star will present the glitzy event next month along with Carol as they celebrate the nation’s unsung heroes.

Ashley, who recently was walked out on by Jim Davidson during a tense discussion on race for his ITV documentary Ashley Banjo: Britain in Black and White, is delighted by the opportunity.

‘I feel like I’ve been a part of Pride of Britain for a few years now but the chance to co-host it next to Carol, who is a complete legend and a pro, is amazing,’ he enthused.

‘It’s such a special show and a hugely emotional and inspiring night.’

Carol, who has fronted the event for over 20 years, added: ‘Ashley is a wonderful person and I’m delighted that he’s joining me because he has been involved for a few years now and it just feels right.

‘The Pride of Britain Awards are incredibly special evening and show to be a part of.’

Carol has hosted the awards for 20 years (Picture: Rex)

A number of celebrities are lined up to attend the night, including Prince Charles, Ant and Dec, Anne-Marie, Pixie Lott, KSI, Harry Kane, Joanna Lumley, Stephen Fry, Westlife, Jordan Pickford and Sharon Stone.

Ed Sheeran, who announced he has tested positive for Covid and is currently isolating, is also on the list.

Ashley shot to fame when his dance troupe, Diversity, won the third series of Britain’s Got Talent in 2009.

More: Ashley Banjo

He recently collected a Bafta for the group’s talked-about performance on ITV’s BGT last year, for a routine which saw a man in a police uniform kneel on Ashley, echoing the killing of unarmed black man George Floyd in the US, while other dancers carried riot shields.

The performance on September 5 2020 sparked more than 24,000 complaints to Ofcom, but the TV watchdog dismissed the complaints, concluding that the routine’s ‘central message was a call for social cohesion and unity’.

The Pride of Britain Awards will air on November 4 at 8pm on ITV.

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