Strictly Come Dancing 2018: Ashley Roberts hits back at claims she is too 'experienced'
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2018 contestant Ashley Roberts has been taking the competition by storm so far alongside her partner Pasha Kovalev - but viewers have previously mentioned her former experience in the band The Pussycat Dolls.
Ashley Roberts looking to 'give her best' with Pasha Kovalev
Strictly Come Dancing is in full swing and this weekend saw the contestants arrive in the legendary Blackpool.
And the show did not disappoint, as Ashley Roberts and her professional partner Pasha Kovalev took Saturday night by storm.
After an incredible Jive the pair were awarded four scores of ten - giving them the first perfect 40 in this year’s series.
This has left the dance duo looking forward to this weekend’s Samba, which will see them attempting to top last week’s display.
Ashley and Pasha appeared on today’s edition of This Morning to discuss the weekend ahead.
But host Phillip Schofield was eager to find out Ashley’s take on the criticisms based on her experience in former band The Pussycat Dolls.
She explained: “Well with the The Pussycat Dolls it was a lot of booty popping and hip hop.”
However she went on to insist: “It was ten years ago - it’s different, I have to get focused [for Strictly].
“It’s such a different style, you have to change how you hold your weight - from your ankles to your nose. It is so precise.”
Ashley went on to address the criticisms further by adding: “I did have this dance experience but I am in the studio every week with Pasha.
“And to me it’s all about giving the best performance.”
Despite the claims she was too experienced to be signed up to the show, Ashley also mentioned being approached for the show sooner.
She revealed: “There were conversations [about joining the show] - not offers.
“But this year the timing was right - I got the offer and I was just like ‘yes!'."
Ashley also spoke about the difficulty of taking on the show, and its constantly changing dance routines.
“Yes [it is tough],” she continued. “I am in the fitness world, I like boxing, and it is so rewarding but it kicks your butt!
“We always call Tuesdays ‘terrible Tuesdays’ because we’re like: ‘How are we going to pull this off?’
“But somehow it kind of comes together and on Saturday you’re like okay!”
This week Ashley and Pasha will be dancing the Samba to Hot Hot Hot by Arrow.
Strictly Come Dancing 2018 will air on Saturday on BBC One at 6.50pm.