Ashley Banjo has declared that the Pride of Britain Awards are "more vital than ever" as nominations officially open for the 28th annual ceremony. The Diversity star, who co-hosts the event alongside Carol Vorderman, emphasised the importance of celebrating unsung heroes across the United Kingdom.
A Cross-Section of British Heroism
In an exclusive interview to mark the launch, Banjo explained why the awards hold such significance. "I think Pride of Britain is important for so many reasons. It's called Pride of Britain because you see this real cross-section of the country," he said. "If anybody wants to know what Britain is, don't 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."
The dancer, who won Britain's Got Talent in 2009 with street dance troupe Diversity, added that the awards provide a much-needed dose of positivity. "That's one of the reasons I'm so proud to be involved – because I'm 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."
Honouring Everyday Heroes
Founded by former Mirror editor Peter Willis, the Pride of Britain Awards recognise children of courage, tireless fundraisers, and those who have acted with outstanding bravery. Categories include the This Morning Local Hero, the Emergency Services Award, Child/Teenager of Courage, and the P&O Cruises Inspiration Award.
Banjo recalled the inspiring story of Florrie Bark, an eight-year-old from Corby, Northants, who won the Child of Courage award in 2024. Florrie, who lives with acute myeloid leukaemia and has undergone a lung transplant, used her social media presence to support other sick children and raise money for charity. "The light that she brings into a room is extraordinary. Her and her family are so strong. It's humbling," Banjo said.
A Personal Transformation
The 37-year-old father of two admitted that his involvement with the awards has changed him. "Personally, for me, it's eye-opening. It's a bit of a realignment every year. You can think what you've done is impressive, then you get to the Pride of Britain Awards and you're like, it's not really, is it?" He praised the humility of the winners, noting that they don't seek glory but act because it feels right.
Banjo, who was appointed an MBE in 2022 for services to dance, also shared his admiration for co-host Carol Vorderman, who has fronted the awards since their inception in 1999. However, he stressed that the ceremony is not about the hosts or celebrities, but about ordinary people whose actions have made them extraordinary.
How to Nominate
Nominations are now open at prideofbritain.com. The 28th edition, partnered with P&O Cruises, will be held at London's Grosvenor House in autumn and broadcast on ITV1. Banjo urged Mirror readers to participate: "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 – it's the ultimate example of people power."
Award Categories
- P&O Cruises Inspiration Award: Celebrating a remarkable individual or group who inspire others with their positive spirit and awe-inspiring journey.
- 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 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.
To nominate your hero, visit prideofbritain.com.
