Record deal is ready to Rak
MOLLIE King thought her Strictly dream was over when she faced favourite Aston Merrygold in the dance-off.
But following head judge Shirley Ballas’ controversial decision to save her, Mollie has since spent 12 hours a day training.
She says she was forced into the punishing routine in order to avoid making it three danceoffs in a row.
The Saturdays star, 30, was back on the dance floor last night where she performed a sizzling Paso Doble to Layla with professional partner AJ Pritchard, 23, as she hopes to make it to Blackpool.
Mollie said: “It was a huge shock for everybody. Aston has been one of the best dancers in the competition.
“The moment his name was announced everyone was thinking that they didn’t want to be in that position with him.
“But that’s the great thing about Strictly, you don’t know what’s going to happen from week to week and that’s why it has so many viewers.
“We feel so lucky and have been so driven this week. It’s been so tough in the dance-off and making it to Blackpool next week would be a dream.
“We have been putting in 12hour days in the training room. We’d love to make it through more than anything, it really would mean the world.”
After months of speculation, Mollie finally admitted that she does not fancy her hunky dance partner AJ despite rumours of a romance.
She said: “He’s lovely looking isn’t he? But I don’t fancy him. “It’s inevitable with the show that there’s always going to be romance rumours, but we have to just laugh it off.”
AJ joked: “She’s just being polite. What about my body and my six-pack? At least she said I have a lovely face.”
Meanwhile, former Strictly champ Harry Judd claims exJLS singer Aston’s exit is the show’s biggest shock ever.
And the McFly drummer also believes Shirley and BBC bosses could regret the decision.
Harry said: “I couldn’t believe that Aston went. I think everyone watching was in total shock. I think it’s the biggest shock there’s ever been.
“It’s a shame because it’s a massive loss to the show.”
Strictly viewers were furious with the controversial decision and even threatened to boycott the series.
Aston’s pal Marvin Humes said: “Aston feels like he had more to give but he can’t do anything about it.”
The results show is on BBC One tonight at 7.20pm. X FACTOR group Rak-Su will be offered a record deal even if they don’t win the show.
The popular boyband are the new bookies’ favourite to be crowned champions, replacing early runner Grace Davies.
And we can exclusively reveal the group, made up of Rak-Su J, Ashley Rak-Su, Pharoahcious, and Myles Rak-Su, will land a contract, probably with Simon Cowell, even if they are axed by the public vote.
Our source said: “Rak-Su will get a deal at the end of X Factor unless there’s some major catastrophe.
“They’ve already proved to be a major hit with viewers. Not only have they topped viewer votes on numerous occasions, they’ve also had iTunes chart success with their original music and are now the bookies’ favourites.
“Simon is obviously waiting to see how the next few weeks pan out but he’s made it clear to his team he believes the group can become international stars as big as Little Mix. “Other labels are also showing interest in the group and if he passes on the boys there are various labels ready to snap them up and potentially turn them into multi-million selling artists.”
Other contestants who are front runners to land a record deal include Grace Davies, Kevin Davy White and Lloyd Macey.
Our source added: “Grace is another contestant practically assured a deal so long as she survives a few more weeks.
“Labels are also keeping a close eye on Kevin and Lloyd.”