Strictly Graeme: Ashley was just too good for me

CRICKETER Graeme Swann took a cheeky swipe at Strictly rival Ashley Roberts as he became the ninth celebrity to leave the competition last night. After facing Ashley in the dance-off, he said: “Secretly I’ve had 25 years of ballroom experience, but I kept that to myself.” He admitted he could not compete with Ashley, a former member of pop act The Pussycat Dolls, and partner Pasha Kovalev. The judges all preferred their samba to Graeme and his partner Oti Mabuse’s quickstep. Graeme, 39, said: “I’d have voted for Ashley and Pasha as well. I can’t quite believe I was put against them. I would have been so embarrassed if I’d got through instead of her – she’s an incredible dancer.”