Ashley Banjo and Diversity sign exclusive

Sky 1 HD today (Friday 22 June, 2012) announces announces an exclusive two-year deal with dance superstar ASHLEY BANJO and a separate two-year deal with his world famous dance troupe DIVERSITY. This deal demonstrates Sky's on-going commitment to increase investment in original British content by 50% over the next three years and further cements their relationship with Ashley.

A popular personality with Sky 1 HD viewers, this move puts the customer at the heart of the business, bringing them more exciting programming with Ashley and Diversity exclusively for two years. Already set to return is ASHLEY BANJO’S SECRET STREET CREW for an extended nine-episode run and GOT TO DANCE,now in its fourth year. More shows that will be announced in due course.

Once again ASHLEY BANJO’S SECRET STREET CREW will see the master of street dance turn the unlikeliest movers into poppin’, lockin’ and body shakin’ stars. Determined to shake off our the uptight British reserve, Ashley will meet people from different walks of life, including fire fighters, estate agents, farmers, a youth orchestra and set about transforming them into sharp, on-point troupes able to light up the stage.

Putting his reputation on the line, Ashley will once again personally choreograph routines for the novice dancers. And, as a perfectionist at his trade, no routine he puts together is allowed to fail. The Secret Street Crew will have their work cut out as they prepare in secret and launch a surprise performance in front of their unwitting friends and family.

Ashley will be helped along the way, drawing on his world famous street crew Diversity, who will be on hand to help run the day-to-day training, inducting them into world of street dance. Proving anyone can learn to strut their stuff, ASHLEY BANJO’S SECRET STREET CREW is a high-energy and fun series sure to get those toes tapping.

Ashley is also polishing his gold stars in preparation for entertainment spectacular GOT TO DANCE as it returns later this year, once again he alongside the other judges will scour the nation in search for the best dance acts.

Each series of GOT TO DANCE has upped its ante and the fourth series promises to be no different.

Stuart Murphy, Director of Programmes, Sky: “Ashley is an exciting talent, Sky 1 viewers adore him and we are thrilled that he calls Sky home. He remains a fantastic judge on Got To Dance and Secret Street Crew’s first series was an enormous hit with our customers. With a raft of new contributors from a myriad of backgrounds, there will be no shortage of entertaining reveals for their friends, family and the audience in the second series’ extended run. I am also thrilled to welcome Diversity to the Sky fold – we are huge fans.”

By 2014, Sky expects to invest £600 million a year in British programmes across its portfolio of channels.  This commitment follows the success of home-grown comedies such as TROLLIED, SPY and STELLA, entertainment hits GOT TO DANCE and A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, dramas such as STRIKE BACK and MAD DOGS, and factual shows including ROSS KEMP EXTREME WORLD, AN IDIOT ABROAD and the BAFTA-winning documentary FLYING MONSTERS 3D.

Following the addition of Sky 1 HD to Sky Go, customers will also be able to watch on the move on a range of internet connected devices.

For further information please contact

Rowan Adams - Senior Publicist, Sky1 HD, Sky Living HD
T: 020 7032 3078
E: rowan.adams@bskyb.com

Annabel Rudden - Junior Publicist, Sky 1 HD
T:
E: annabel.rudden@bskyb.com