Ashley Banjo reveals back-up plan if his wife goes into labour during Dancing On Ice

Dancing On Ice's Ashley Banjo has revealed what would happen if his wife went into labour during the show. Ashley, who is expecting his first child with wife Francesca Abbott in the next couple of months, joked to Lorraine that he had a back-up plan if the baby decided to make an appearance in the middle of Dancing On Ice, which is broadcast live.

Ashley cheekily said that he would draft some of his Diversity friends into take his place on the judging panel if his baby was on the way, joking that Perri Kiely and brother Jordan Banjo would have to step up, "I’ll have to get Perri in. Perri or Jordan to sit there. On standby!"

Ashley also opened up to Lorraine about the fact that he and Francesca, who is also a dancer, had found it difficult to conceive, saying, "It's been tough. People assume, 'If you want a baby, have one!' It doesn't happen like that all the time."

But the beaming dad-to-be couldn't put a number on how excited he was, saying, "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."

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Ashley and Francesca announced that they were expecting a baby girl back in October, with Ashley sharing a picture of the pair holding a scan and some little pink shoes. He wrote, 'I am so excited to finally share the news that we are having a baby!! Now the time has come to finally say this out loud I have no idea what to say! I don’t know if words alone can explain how full of joy and happiness we both are.'

Referencing their struggles, Ashley added, 'It has been a more difficult journey to this point than most people know but we are now here with one of the most precious gifts in the world... A little girl! I have so many strong and incredible women around me, I know she will have great examples to follow. Especially this woman right here - my wife and my rock.

'You are going to be the best mum in the world. I’m so excited to see our little one grow up and if by any chance she wanted to be like her daddy and bust a few moves, I’ve already got the dancing shoes covered! Can’t wait to meet you little sweetie.'

Dancing On Ice continues on ITV every Saturday at 6pm.

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