Ashley Banjo has a standby if his wife goes into labour during Dancing On Ice

Ashley Banjo has revealed his back up plan should his wife go into labour during Dancing On Ice.

Diversity star Ashley is back as one of the judges on Dancing On Ice’s panel.

But wife Francesca Abbott is expecting the couple’s first child, and Ashley is keen not to miss the moment.

As a result, he’s got his Diversity co-star Perri Kiely and dancer brother Jordan Banjo ready to take over his seat.

He admitted: “I’ll have to get Perri in. Perri or Jordan to sit there. On standby!”

Appearing on ITV’s Lorraine, Ashley said he ‘couldn’t put a number’ on his excitement for the birth.

“There’s no number. Honestly, it’s already quite surreal for me to think there’s a little baby Banjo on the way, little girl,” the Britain’s Got Talent winner explained.

Meanwhile, Ashley spoke of returning to Dancing On Ice for his second series after making a debut last year.

“I’m loving it. Great show, it’s a classic,” he raved.

Reflecting on the first live episode from Sunday night, Ashley added: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a week one like James Jordan. I can’t believe what he did week one – Jason [Gardiner] gave him an 8! What does that tell you?

“He’s set his bar extremely high! He works so hard, I know he does, so good on him.”

This weekend will see the remaining six celebrities skate live for the first time.

They are Loose Women’s Saira Khan, Pussycat Dolls singer Melody Thornton, singer and presenter Brian McFadden, actor and comedian Richard Blackwood, cricketer Ryan Sidebottom and Love Island’s Wes Nelson.

Alongside Ashley, Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean and Jason Gardiner make up the Dancing On Ice panel.

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby will be back presenting the show once more.

Dancing On Ice airs on ITV at 6PM on Sunday nights.