Ashley Banjo has sent Simon Cowell his well wishes as he prepares to take his place on the Britain's Got Talent panel.

The professional dancer - who won the third series of BGT with dance troupe Diversity in 2009 - is to step in for the music mogul on the judging panel for the ITV show's semi-finals, after Simon broke his back recently and had to undergo surgery.

Ashley wrote on Instagram: "Funny what can change in a year - Let alone in a lifetime... @simoncowell get well soon boss man, I've got you until then. From contestant to judge... The journey continues #bgt #wearediversity (sic)".

ITV confirmed on Sunday (August 23rd, 2020) that Ashley would be taking Simon's place on the panel for the semis.

A post on the BGT Instagram read: "It's official! The amazing @ashleybanjogram will be stepping in as Guest Judge for the #BGT Semi-Finals while @simoncowell recovers from his recent back operation.

"We can't wait to see you back on Britain's Got Talent, Ashley! (sic)"

Simon recently underwent a six-hour surgery after breaking his back in a fall from his electric bike at his Malibu home.

On Saturday (August 22nd, 2020), it was reported Simon had been advised by doctors not to fly back to the UK to work on the ITV show's finals.

A source said: "Everything is fixed, he just needs healing time. Flying halfway across the world is not part of the plan and he has agreed to put his health first."

Simon was recently gifted a tricycle by his 'America's Got Talent' co-star Howie Mandel following his e-bike disaster.

Posting a picture of the bike on Twitter, Simon wrote: "This just arrived at my house! Thank you @howiemandel (sic)".

Howie replied: "Safe biking my friend."

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