Simon Cowell's Britain's Got Talent replacement announced
Simon is recovering after breaking his back
Last updated 26th Aug 2020
It was the show that catapulted him to fame with dance troupe Diversity, so Ashley Banjo seemed the perfect choice to replace Simon Cowell on Britain's Got Talent for the semi finals and grande final!
As filming for the semi finals got underway at the weekend, Ashley shared a photo of himself behind the judging table, alongside his adorable five-month-old Micah.
He told fans, 'Funny what can change in a year - Let alone in a lifetime... @simoncowell get well soon boss man, I’ve got you until then 🙏🏽 From contestant to judge... The journey continues 🙌🏽 #bgt #wearediversity'. (sic)
Britain's Got Talent bosses also confirmed the news, writing, 'It’s official! The amazing @ashleybanjogram will be stepping in as Guest Judge for the #BGT Semi-Finals while @simoncowell recovers from his recent back operation.
'We can’t wait to see you back on Britain’s Got Talent, Ashley!🤩'. (sic)
Not only is Ashley a part of BGT history and one of the most recognisable winners from the show, the 31-year-old is also a judge on Dancing On Ice, so he certainly knows what it's like to sit at both sides of the desk.
Meanwhile, usual judge Simon is still in America recovering from a six-hour operation after he broke his back during a horror accident involving an electric bike.
Just hours after his op, Simon took to Twitter to update his fans, joking, 'Some good advice... If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time. I have broken part of my back. Thank you to everyone for your kind messages.'
Simon then went on to thank all of the professionals who have been caring for him in hospital, adding, 'And a massive thank you to all the nurses and doctors. Some of the nicest people I have ever met. Stay safe everyone. Simon.' (sic)
And it looks like his recovery is going well, with Simon able to have a sense of humour about the accident.
Over the weekend the 60-year-old left his fans amused by sharing a snap of his new bike (a tricycle) rather than a high-speed electric bike that left him needing surgery.
Britain's Got Talent will return in the Autumn with a special one-off catch up show for viewers to re-jog their memory of the audition stages earlier this year.
Then, unlike previous years, each pre-recorded semi-final will be shown on a Saturday night, with Britain's Got Talent set to fill the void of The X Factor.
Check out all of the past Britain's Got Talent winners below:
Paul Potts
Paul Potts won the very first show in 2007 with his hugely impressive singing abilities.
George Sampson
Break dancer George Sampson won the show in 2008 at the age of just 14-years-old.
Diversity
Dance group Diversity won the show in 2009, with Ashley Banjo going on to become a TV presenter.
Spellbound
The 2010 series also saw a dance group win in the form of Spellbound, pictured here performing with singer Katherine Jenkins that year.
Jai McDowall
Singer Jai McDowall won the show in 2011.
Ashleigh and Pudsey
Dog performing act Ashleigh and Pudsey were winners of the 2012 series. However, Pudsey sadly passed away in July 2017.
Attraction
Another dance group won over the public in 2013, as Attraction used shadows and puppets to create beautiful spectacles - pictured here with actor Terry Crews.
Collabro
Singing group Collabro wowed viewers in 2014 with their performances of musical theatre songs.
Jules and Matisse
Britain's Got Talent saw its second dog act winner in 2015 with Jules and Matisse.
Richard Jones
Magician Richard Jones won the hearts of the nation in 2016.
Tokio Myers
Pianist and music producer Tokio Myers won the show in 2017, pictured here with BGT judge Amanda Holden.
Lost Voice Guy
Lost Voice Guy, real name Lee Ridley, won in 2018.
Colin Thackery
Colin Thackery won Britain's Got Talent 2019 with a heartwarming performance of 'Love Changes Everything'.
Jon Courtenay
Comedy singer Jon Courtenay was crowned the winner of the 2020 series! Jon was a favourite from his very first audition, picking up Ant and Dec's Golden Buzzer!
Axel Blake
Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer act, comedian Axel Blake, was crowned the 2022 winner of Britain's Got Talent, beating the likes of ventriloquist Jamie Leahy and singer Tom Ball.
Viggo Venn
Norwegian comedian Viggo Venn won the 2023 series of Britain's Got Talent with his high vis jacket inspired routine. He said he was happy to have captured 'Simon's heart' as well as the nation's.
Britain's Got Talent is due to return in September.