JLS' Aston Merrygold Officially Joins Got To Dance Judging Panel For New Series

12 August 2012, 09:52 | Updated: 12 August 2012, 10:04

The 'Proud' singer will replace Adam Garcia on the fourth season of the Sky1 reality series in 2013.

JLS star Aston Merrygold has been officially announced as the replacement for Adam Garcia on Sky1's talent series Got To Dance.

The 'She Makes Me Wanna' singer will join the show's judging panel for its upcoming fourth season, after first rising to fame alongside his JLS bandmates as runners-up on the 2008 series of The X Factor.

Former judge Adam Garcia announced he had decided to step down due to other commitments, such as an acting role in the Old Vic's Kiss Me Kate, potentially conflicting with his responsibilities on Got To Dance, and Aston had been rumoured as a potential new addition to the show several weeks ago.

"I have always been a fan of Got To Dance and I'm absolutely buzzing to be part of the best dance show on TV," JLS's Aston said in a statement announcing his appointment. "My past experience on talent shows will help me understand what the contestants are going through and I can't wait to get started.

"I have absolutely loved my time on Got To Dance, it trull has been the most incredible experience," Adam said in a statement confirming his exit from the show. "I feel now is the time to pass the baton onto someone new. I want to wish Aston all the best and hope he has as much fun on this show as I did."

View a picture of JLS star Aston Merrygold below (Credit: PA Photos):

The 'Take A Chance On Me' singer will join returning Got To Dance judges Kimberly Wyatt and Ashley Banjo on the show's panel, while former Big Brother presented Davina McCall will return on hosting duties.

Last night Aston confirmed JLS have now wrapped work on their fourth studio album, after tweeting: "Suns out its sat n the last day of studio: o albums down!!!! Uh oooh! Party time tonight I think!! Ax."

The new series of Got To Dance is due to start airing on Sky1 in January 2013.