Dancing On Ice’s Ashley Banjo has admitted that his Diversity co-dancer Perri Kiely has already got an advantage over the others on the ice thanks to his dancing skills.
Ashley is returning to the judges’ panel again for this year’s series, but this year he’s got a bit of a stake in the competition seeing as his pal Perri, 24, is one of the competitors.
But Ashley admits that before they’ve even started, those who can dance have a bit of an easier ride – with Perri just one of the star’s who can use their skill in their favour.
‘I have to agree, they have an advantage but not an unfair one,’ he said before the show’s first launch, but added: ‘A lot of people come from a performance background.
‘It helps if you can dance because obviously you’re used to learning things. It’s just one the tools in your arsenal.’
However, he was quick to point out that in terms of when it comes to the judging, he won’t be taking it easy on his former student, despite knowing him for decades – and doesn’t agree with people worrying about it.
He added: ‘I think that they are very wrong. I won’t be easier or harder on him but I’ll find it easier to be honest with him.
‘If I think it with Perri, I’ll say it, good or bad. I know him inside and out. I think I’ll end up being harder on him and he’ll need more push to do well.’
Perri will be performing with Vanessa Bauer in the 2020 series of the show – facing off against stars including Caprice Bourret, Maura Higgins and Trisha Goddard.
Vanessa made it to the finals this year with Love Island’s Wes Nelson, but was ultimately beaten by Strictly star James Jordan and Alexandra Schauman.
However, she has an impressive track record, previously taking home the winning trophy with Jake Quickenden.
Dancing On Ice starts 5 January on ITV.
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