Aston is being floored by nerves

ASTON Merrygold’s years of dance experience mean he has to work harder to win over the public, his pro partner has claimed.

The JLS hunk, 29, has been performing for a decade and even judged on Got To Dance.

His Strictly mentor Janette Manrara said: “It’s harder for Aston than it is for some of the others. The expectation is so much higher for him than it is for some of the other guys. “But what people need to remember is that he was not properly trained. He was completely self-taught. He is just so talented. He’d never done a foxtrot in his life before this show. I’ve really seen a difference between his first rehearsal and his performance on the show.” Aston has impressed the viewers and judges with his fancy footwork so far this series.

But Janette has revealed he is still racked with nerves before each performance.

She said: “There’s something about that floor that makes everybody a bit nervous. He takes deep breaths and says ‘here we go’. “But Aston is very focused. He wants to do well. He’s a great student. He really listens to me and he’s a fast learner. He takes on information quickly which is really good.”

Strictly is famous for its steamy romances behind the scenes, but Janette said that will never happen between her and Aston.

She is married to fellow pro Aljaz Skorjanec and Aston is in a relationship with Sarah Richards.