From Britain's Got Talent to Holy Island: Ashley Banjo's walk with God

Ashley Banjo, is best known as the dance troupe leader of the hugely successful group Diversity who first captured the nation's hearts on the talent show Britain's Got Talent in 2009. They famously beat off favourite Susan Boyle for the crown and all when he was just 21. Banjo was raised in Essex, the son of a former heavyweight boxer and a dance teacher and began dancing at age five. It was a passion that was nurtured by his parents. He was raised with some exposure to Christianity and he has spoken candidly about drifting from it before rediscovering a deep, personal faith during the isolation and uncertainty of the Covid pandemic. That season of reflection led him back to The Church and to a renewed relationship with God, one he has since described as central to how he navigates fame, family, and purpose. His faith took on public dimension in 2026 when he joined BBC Two's Pilgrimage: The Road to Holy Island, walking alongside people of differing beliefs, including an atheist, a Muslim, and a non-practising Jew, along ancient routes tied to Celtic Christian saints, through Whitby Abbey, Durham Cathedral, and finally Lindisfarne. In this episode of The Profile he talks to Inspirational Breakfast's Esther Higham about his walk with God and the things he learned on the pilgrimage. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Enjoy thought-provoking Christian content, including the latest news, inspiring interviews, and exclusive commentary on all that God is doing in the world today. Grab the next 3 issues for just £6. Subscribe today at premierchristianity.com/subscribe.