Mollie: I’m training for 12hrs a day

MOLLIE King stepped up her training to 12 hours a day after coming in the th bottom two on Strictly Com Come Dancing last weekend. She had to battle against former JLS star Asto Aston Merrygold, who had been an early favourite before his shock exit, which wh sparked a backlash from his arm army of fans. Mollie, 30 30, and partner AJ Pritch Pritchard, 23, were despe desperate not to fi f i nd themselves i in a similar position this weekend, so increased their gruelling practice sessions. They were determined to be at the show’s Blackpool away day next weekend. “It’s so tough being in the dance-off,” admitted Mollie. “Making Blackpool would be an absolute dream. “We’ve b been putting in 12 hours of t training a day this week so we can dance this dance the best we p possibly can.” She said it was hug huge shock for everybody when Aston was in the dance-off, adding: “It’s obvious that th he was once of the best dancers in the co competition. “It is what it is, bu but we’re so grateful and lucky to be through through. We’re so driven this week. We just have ha to try and up our game. We’re bot both such hard workers so we’re ready t to go that extra mile. That’s why m me and AJ make such a good team.” Being s such a good team has sparked rumours that the pair are mor more than dance partners. Their tactile displays on and off the dance floor have got tongues wagging. Singer Mollie has been single since her split from model David Gandy, 32, last year after dating on and off for five years. AJ is single too, so there’s no danger of the Strictly curse striking again. But Mollie insists they’re just friends. “It’s inevitable with the show, there’s always romance rumours – we just laugh it off,” she said, but did admit: “He is lovely looking.” AJ joked: “What about my body? What about my six pack? But she says I’ve got a lovely face, so I’ll take that compliment any day.” Even AJ’s dad Adrian said the pair were like a “married couple”. He said his son is a lucky man to have “beautiful” Mollie on his arm, revealing how the cosy pair enjoy strolls in the park and meals out. “AJ and Mollie are having a lot of fun – they’ve really bonded,” he said. “AJ has told me Mollie is great to be with. She works very hard and she has a great personality. “Anybody would like her, she is a very beautiful lady.” Mollie has wowed fans of the show with her stunning figure. But she admits she still has hang-ups –despite showing off her toned body in our snaps from her autumn/winter 17 collection for Boux Avenue. She is the face of the undies brand. “The show has helped with my confidence,” said Mollie. “You wear the most beautiful outfits, there’s the most amazing hair and make-up team, but I still have my body hang-ups. I’d like more of a bum, but I’m always going to have a tomboy shape.” After 12 hours of training every day this week, Mollie, who danced the paso doble to Layla last night, says she’s the fittest she’s ever been. And she’s one of the lucky few contestants not to have picked up any injuries. AJ said: “As long as you stay mentally strong, injuries should never happen.”