Strictly Confidential!

As the annual ballroom bonanza kicks off, Now chats to this year's batch of hopefuls

- Georgia Farquharson

ASHLEY

‘I do have rhythm!’

You probably recognise Ashley Roberts from her days bumping and grinding to Don’t Cha in the Pussycat Dolls.

And while she admits her Doll Days will help her with the ‘performance side’ of Strictly, Ashley, 36, is still feeling the pressure.

How would you rate your dancing? 

I do have rhythm, which is always a bonus, and I think I’ll be able to pick it up well but having the guy lead is just foreign to me. What I did in the Dolls were things like booty popping, but I don’t know if there’s that many booty pops in the tango! 

What will be your biggest challenge during Strictly? 

The live telly bit! Even though I’ve done performing, I’m just a bit nervous. I don’t want to mess up – I don’t want to fall or miss a step or something. 

And what are you looking for in a dance partner? 

Someone who is focused and is ready to work hard with me – but they have to be goofy too. I love having fun and I want to take this seriously but we have to have a bit of fun in order to enjoy it.