I won’t have unfair advantage on Strictly, says star Ashley
SINGER Ashley Roberts yesterday hit back at Strictly Come Dancing fans who accused her of having an unfair advantage after she was unveiled as the latest celebrity to sign up to the show.
The former Pussycat Dolls star played down talk that her experience dancing on stage would make it easier for her than other entrants.
The 36-year-old said: “The Latin and ballroom world is foreign to me.”
As newsreader Kate Silverton and comedian Seann Walsh were also revealed to have signed up to the show, critics took to Twitter to argue Ms Roberts’ experience made her inappropriate as a contestant.
One critic tweeted: “The ‘they have an advantage!’ Strictly fans are going to love it now ex-Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts is really doing the show...”
Ms Roberts’ participation in BBC One’s flagship entertainment show was revealed on Chris Evans’ Radio 2 breakfast show. The DJ told listeners: “People are texting in saying: ‘Can’t you tell us who the Strictly contestant is because we’re not going to be here when she comes on?’ “It’s Ashley Roberts. There you go. Just don’t tell anyone I told you.” Ms Roberts joined the radio show an hour later and told Mr Evans: “When I got the call I was super excited. “I miss performing and I am excited to learn a new style of dance. The Latin and ballroom world is foreign to me. “I am nervous excited. I’m anxious to learn something new and put on the costumes and become the character.” Ms Silverton, 48, said : “I am looking forward to the fun, laughter and all the challenges ahead.” Mr Walsh, 32, said: “Having seen videos of me dancing on friends’ phones from the night before, it’s safe to say I’m petrified.”