Dancing On Ice judge’s heartbreak after loss of beloved friend just days before new series launch

DANCING On Ice judge Ashley Banjo has revealed his heartbreak at the sudden loss of one of his beloved friends.

The Diversity star, 36, told fans about his tragic news which has happened just days before he starts the new series of the hit ITV show.

Rex

Instagram @ashleybanjo

ITV

Ashley is a staple of the Dancing on Ice judging panel[/caption]

Ashley is just days away from the launch show of Dancing On Ice.

But the star today revealed that he was grieving, after a close friend had passed away.

The much-loved TV star shared the sad news on Instagram with a picture of him and his friend, Leon.

Writing over the snap, Ashley shared a personal tribute to his close pal, which read: “Leon… but to us you were Boogie.

“An inspiration and a leader to so many.

“He had a huge impact on me and the journey of Diversity.

“I really can’t believe this one… rest in peace my friend.”

The sad news comes as Ashley prepares for the new series of Dancing On Ice.

At the end of last year, the judging panel for the 2025 series was finally announced.

All four previous judges have been confirmed to re-join the star panel.

Olympic gold medallists Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean are set to return as head judges sitting alongside Ashley.

Oti Mabuse returns as the fourth panellist after her successful stint in the I’m a Celebrity jungle.

She now swaps the cold and damp conditions for a place behind the desk by the infamous rink.

Twelve celebrities will take to the ice on Sunday, as they attempt to master the art of ice-dancing.

Rex

Ashley joins Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean and jungle star Oti Mabuse at their rink-side desk for the 2025 series[/caption]

Every week they will attempt to impress the judges and public with dazzling routines with their professional partners.

The line-up includes TV presenter Michaela Strachan, Traitors star Mollie Pearce and Dan Edgar from The Only Way Is Essex.

Footballer Anton Ferdinand, Corrie’s Sam Aston and Love Island personality Chris Taylor will also get their skates on.

Despite numerous setbacks, telly favourite Stephen Mulhern will return to screens too to front the series alongside his longtime colleague and pal Holly Willoughby, 43.

Dancing On Ice will return to ITV1 and ITVX in January 2025.