Ashley has called his MBE 'ultimate accolade' and something he 'never saw coming'. 👏
Ashley BanjoThe Diversity star, 33, who found fame after winning Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 with his dance troupe, is ‘humbled and extremely proud’ to receive the title.
Ashley told PA: ‘I’m so humbled and extremely proud to be receiving this honour. It really is the ultimate accolade.Diversity’s performance on Britain’s Got Talent in September 2020 received the must-see moment award at this year’s Baftas, after the Black Lives matter-inspired routine led to Ashley becoming a spokesperson for issues around racial equality.
The powerful performance, which made reference to the killing of George Floyd in the US by having a man dressed in police uniform kneeling on Ashley, led to more than 24,000 complaints to Ofcom.However, the TV watchdog dismissed the complaints, concluding that the ‘central message was a call for social cohesion and unity.’
Ashley, who grew up in Essex, is the son of former heavyweight boxer Funso Banjo, and founded his dance troupe along with younger brother Jordan Banjo.