Ashley Banjo says Pride of Britain 'more vital than ever' as nominations for UK heroes open

If you know someone incredible, its time to celebrate their greatness. For today the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises nominations are open, spotlighting the remarkable actions of everyday people. This years awards will be presented by Carol Vorderman, 65, who has fronted them since their inception in 1999, and dancer Ashley Banjo, 37, who joined Carol as a host in 2021.

In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, to mark the launch of the 28th awards, Ashley says Pride of Britain is now more vital to our lives than ever. He says: I think Pride of Britain is important for so many reasons. Its called Pride of Britain because you see this real cross-section of the country.

If anybody wants to know what Britain is, dont go to one particular area, or listen to one particular person, or sit inside one particular echo chamber. Watch Pride of Britain and you will see people from all different walks of life, different genders, different colours, different religions all of it. Youll just see a real cross-section of the heroes that make up this country.

Thats one of the reasons Im so proud to be involved because Im British and sometimes you get not only confused in that identity, but lost in so much negativity. Pride of Britain, for me, is inherently about Britain and British people doing incredible things, but also about positivity and hope.

Founded by former Mirror editor Peter Willis, the Pride of Britain Awards honour unsung heroes such as children of courage, tireless fundraisers, and those who acted with outstanding bravery. Award categories include the This Morning Local Hero, the Emergency Services Award, Child/Teenager of Courage, and P&O Cruises Inspiration Award.

Ashley, who won Britains Got Talent in 2009 with street dance troupe Diversity, remembers Florrie Bark, an inspirational eight-year-old from Corby, Northants, with an unforgettable giggle, who won the Child of Courage in 2024. Florrie captured the nations hearts when she shared how she lives with acute myeloid leukaemia talking on social media about her lung transplant, and using her profile to support other sick children and raise money for charity.

Dad-of-two Ashley says: The light that she brings into a room is extraordinary. Her and her family are so strong. Its humbling. Then there are people who have saved people from lakes and from burning buildings, and I dont know how they do it. I look at my own kids and I think about them being ill and having life-changing and life-threatening diseases and coping with that. I look at that strength and that humility. That makes me so proud to do this job.

The 28th edition of the awards, partnered with P&O Cruises, will be held at Londons Grosvenor House in autumn, and will be broadcast on ITV1 at prime time. Ashley, a judge on Dancing On Ice since 2018, says his time with Pride of Britain has changed him.

He explained: Personally, for me, its eye-opening. Its a bit of a realignment every year. You can think what youve done is impressive, then you get to the Pride of Britain Awards and youre like, its not really, is it? And Ashley, who was appointed an MBE in 2022 for services to dance, says the winners humility is humbling.

He says: They dont feel like theyre doing anything that deserves an award, they just do it because it feels right. They want to and theyre passionate about it. Theyre not doing it for the glory. Thats what makes them heroes. Ashley loves working with Carol, who shot to fame as a maths whiz on Countdown in 1982.

But he says Pride of Britain isnt about the hosts, or the celebrities its about the ordinary people whose actions have made them extraordinary. He says: Im really lucky that Carol and I get to watch the VTs and read the script and know these stories a week or two in advance, because if we were finding out in the moment, I think it would be quite hard to keep on top of our emotions.

The award winners are beaming and having this experience of their lives, after what could be so many difficult moments or lows. Its my job, in that moment [on stage] to make sure they feel safe and comfortable.

Now the nominations are open, Ashley has this message for Mirror readers: One of the things that makes Pride of Britain so special is that everyone gets the chance to tell us who they think should win its the ultimate example of people power. Thats why were making such a big noise about launching nominations. We want people in every corner of the country to tell us about the amazing unsung heroes.

How to nominate

Do you know a remarkable person who makes the world a better place? It only takes a minute to nominate them for a Pride of Britain Award by visiting prideofbritain.com. Dont worry if youre not sure which category to choose our team reads every nomination and will make sure all nominees are considered for the most appropriate award.

The awards

P&O Cruises inspiration award: Celebrating a remarkable individual or group who inspire everyone around them, or the wider world, with their positive spirit and awe-inspiring journey to achieve, or overcome adversity. They may deserve recognition for an extraordinary reaction to a defining or pivotal moment, or perhaps their actions have had an extraordinary impact.

ITV fundraiser of the year: For tireless and inspirational charity fundraising, open to people aged 18 and over.

Good Morning Britain young fundraiser of the year: To reward a young person aged 17 and under for inspirational charity work.

This Morning local hero: To celebrate an individual or group that goes to remarkable lengths to help people around them in their local area.

Lifetime achievement: To recognise far-reaching achievement, possibly on a national or international scale.

Emergency services award: For police, fire, ambulance, paramedics or air, sea or mountain rescue who have gone beyond the call of duty.

Outstanding bravery: For adults who risk their own safety to help others in danger.

Child/teenager of courage: For battling against the odds to help others, or a courageous act to save someone in danger.

Special recognition: For achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and members of armed forces.

*Click HERE to nominate your hero

[Google Preferred Source Badge]Follow Daily Mirror: