Mollie’s 12-hour practice to stay another Saturday

MOLLIE King has been training 12 hours a day in a desperate effort to avoid another dance-off.

The ex-Saturdays singer upped her regime after last week’s boy band-girl group clash with JLS’s Aston Merrygold.

But as Aston’s shock exit sparked a backlash among his fans, Mollie, 30, and dance partner AJ Pritchard, 23, vowed not to be out next.

The pair say they are determined SHOCK to stay in for next week’s Blackpool awayday.

And Mollie admitted: “It’s tough being in the dance-off. Making Blackpool would be a dream.” Last night the couple danced the paso doble to Eric Clapton’s Layla.

Mollie described Aston’s departure with partner Janette Manrara as “a huge shock for everybody”, adding: “It’s obvious he was one of the best in it.

“As soon as he was announced in the dance-off no one wanted to be in with him.

“We’re so grateful and lucky to be through.”

She and AJ sparked romance rumours due to their tactile displays on and off the dancefloor.

Mollie has been single since splitting last year with model David Gandy, 32. But while agreeing AJ was “lovely looking”, Mollie said: “Rumours are inevitable with the show. We laugh it off.”

AJ said of the strict schedule: “Everything aches this week.

“Mollie’s flying from end to end of the room. I’ve got her on the floor, twisting her around. It’s physically her hardest routine.”