Ashley Banjo signs up for the latest series of BBC Two’s Pilgrimage
As the show marks the first time it is shot in England, dancer Ashley Banjo has signed up for the latest series of BBC Two’s Pilgrimage.
Ashley Banjo has signed up for the latest series of BBC Two’s Pilgrimage.
The 36-year-old dancer, best known as frontman of the dance group Diversity and a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, is joining a cast of actors, musicians and entertainers for the first edition of the programme to be filmed in England.
Its new series follows a spiritual journey across Northumberland.
The show brings together people of faiths and those without to explore their beliefs while travelling historic routes.
Ashley recently posted his thoughts on the conflict between Israel and Gaza on his Instagram page – a subject expected to be discussed during filming, The Sun reported.
On 16 September, the celebrity travellers were seen stopping for lunch and filming at Bewicks Restaurant in Rothbury, Northumberland.
The line-up includes American actor Tom Welling, who played Clark Kent in Smallville, British actress Patsy Kensit, known for her roles in Emmerdale and Holby City, actress Hermione Norris, star of Cold Feet. Love Island contestant Natasha Ghouri, who appeared on the 2022 series of the show and American comedian Hasan Minhaj, known for Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj.
Kevin Mulraney, who owns Bewicks, said the BBC had approached him earlier in the year.
He added: “We were contacted by BBC Two programme producers earlier this summer to ask if we would be happy for Bewicks Restaurant to be used as a filming location for the new season of Pilgrimage. We are delighted that the producers selected us from all the other fab restaurants, pubs or cafés available in our area.”
Kevin also said the filming took place while customers were dining.
He added: “The celebrities and crew were all absolutely fantastic, all very chatty, friendly and polite. We were asked if we would remain open while they were filming and they showed great respect for the other diners, having lunch, and tried hard not to disturb them.”
Since launching in 2018, Pilgrimage has taken groups of well-known personalities on spiritual journeys along historic pilgrimage routes in Europe and beyond.
The Northumberland series will air on BBC Two in April 2026.
