Simon Cowell is "eager to get back" to his 'Britain's Got Talent' judging seat in 2022.
Simon Cowell
Ashley Banjo stood in for the music mogul on the show's panel last year after he broke his back, and while there is no 'BGT' this year due the coronavirus pandemic, the Diversity dancer is expecting Simon to retain his place on the programme next year.
When asked if he will be judging on 'BGT' in 2022, Ashley said: "Wouldn't that be nice.
"I think Simon is going to kick me out.
"I think he's healthy and recovered and probably eager to get back."
But for now, Ashley is concentrating on trying to win a BAFTA TV Award after his dance troupe Diversity were nominated for the Must-See Moment prize at this year's ceremony for their Black Lives Matter-inspired 'Britain's Got Talent' routine, and he is then hoping to return to the show's panel.
Speaking on 'Good Morning Britain', he added: "We're going to try to win a BAFTA and I'm going to try to get back in Simon's seat - kick him out."
ITV confirmed in January that this year's 'BGT' will not go ahead due to the pandemic.
A statement read: "Despite everyone at ITV, Thames and Syco doing their best to make it happen, and with our absolute priority of safeguarding the well-being and health of every person involved in the programme from judges, hosts and contestants to all of the crew and audience, the decision has been made to – unfortunately - move the record and broadcast of the 15th series of 'Britain's Got Talent' to 2022.
"'BGT' is known for its diversity of talent with big dance groups, wonderful choirs and lavish orchestras at its heart, and it has become clear that not only is it not possible to film auditions with these types of acts in a secure way but also that they are not able to adequately rehearse and prepare safely.
"Safety has to come first and, as a result, the recording of the show can’t currently go ahead as planned."
The 2020 live finals were moved from the spring to the autumn following the start of the pandemic.
Comedian Jon Courtenay was voted the winner, and he took home a £250,000 prize and won a place on the bill at the Royal Variety performance.
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