I’ll miss seeing David Walliams mug off Simon Cowell – BGT has big shoes to fill, says Diversity’s Perri Kiely
DIVERSITY'S Perri Kiely was shocked to hear of David Walliams' exit from Britain's Got Talent and says the show has big shoes to fill.
After 10 years tormenting co-star Simon Cowell behind the judging desk, we recently revealed he is leaving the ITV talent show.
Dance troupe Diversity will forever be connected to the show after finding fame and winning on its stage in 2009.
In an exclusive interview Perri, who has returned to BGT numerous times over the years to perform with Diversity, said: "David's so fun. I don't know who they'll get in to replace but they've got big shoes to fill.
"He was proper main character energy on that show. You always wonder what he's gonna say or what he's gonna mug Simon off about or what act he's going to let through to the final even though they probably shouldn't be there."
Ashley Banjo, the choreographer and mastermind behind Diversity's ongoing success, filled in on the BGT panel for an injured Simon in 2020 and did so with aplomb.
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Could he find time in his hectic schedule to replace David? Perri doesn't see why not.
He said: "I feel like it would never be too hectic. I don't know how, but we somehow manage to find a way to juggle it all whether that's on BGT or on tour or getting involved in this campaign I'm doing."
The group's best known members - Ashley, brother Jordan Banjo and Perri - rarely get a moment's rest between projects.
Jordan and Perri have been presenting the Kiss Breakfast Show since 2019 and the latter is constantly putting out creative TikTok videos watched by thousands of fans.
Next year Diversity is also heading out on a 66 date UK Supernova tour - although at the moment Perri says the run is being created in Ashley's mind.
Socially conscious Perri is currently backing a new fashion collaboration between Trainline and sustainable clothing brand RÆBURN to create a bespoke track-suit inspired by the prints found on train seats across the UK.
Perri loved modelling the design - made from deadstock material - on a train carriage, and the print is so accurate he blended in effortlessly with the seats.
It was an easy campaign for him to get on board with, after new research revealed two-thirds of 18-24-year-olds see living sustainably as something to aspire to.
"I feel I've definitely started to understand if each individual is doing something small we can all help the bigger picture.
My girlfriend is on top of me when it comes to recycling in the house. She's got like nine separate ins for everything so she's keeping me in check.
There is enough clothes in the world already to go around, so I know me and a few of the other boys have been making sure we upcycle or rewear as once again all those little things do matter.
Every single time we go out on tour we try to go bigger and better. It's funny though because people ask me 'When people ask me at this stage what si the show and what is it supposed to me about? At this point in time it's when it's in Ash's mind . He'll give you little tiny bits of info and you can make no link.
I defo feel I'm getting older than before. I thought I'd be indestructible forwver but I'm walking down the stairs now and am l;ike 'my knees are a bit sore'.
Trainline has partnered with RÆBURN to create a bespoke track-suit inspired by the prints found on train seats across the UK. The track-suits have been launched by dancer, presenter and content creator Perri Kiely who was the first to wear the design.
Research by Trainline reveals that two-thirds (68%) of 18–24-year-olds believe that being seen to follow a sustainable lifestyle is a ‘badge of honour’. In response to this, the track-suit has been designed to give travellers a way to demonstrate their pride in choosing to travel by train, which creates 70% less CO2 on average compared to travelling by car.
As a founder of a brand empowering sustainable choices, British fashion designer Christopher Raeburn is known for reworking surplus fabrics to create his designs. For this collaboration, Raeburn created a bespoke moquette, taking inspiration from the bold graphic patterns seen on train seats across the UK.
The limited run of track-suits have been made using ‘deadstock’ material, and have been created and produced to ensure minimal impact on the environment.
Research commissioned by Trainline reveals that two-thirds (68%) of Gen Z (specifically those aged between 18-24) consider that being seen to be living a sustainable lifestyle is a ‘badge of honour’, and three out of five (59%) are proud to do their bit to help the environment. The bespoke track-suit, created by Raeburn and Trainline provides a creative way for Gen Z to showcase their eco-credentials.
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Trainline has chosen to donate 100% of the proceeds from this partnership to WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature). When purchasing a track-suit, customers will also receive a promotional code to apply for a free digital railcard (up to three-year - RRP £70) to help them to continue to make more sustainable travel choices.
Perri Kiely was the first to model the new track-suit designed by Christopher Raeburn in collaboration with Trainline. The track-suits are part of a campaign to encourage more people to travel by train and are available to buy here, with all proceeds donated to the WWF: