Ashley Roberts defends place on Strictly Come Dancing amid ‘fix’ claims

Ashley Roberts has defended her place on Strictly Come Dancing after viewers branded the show a "fix."

The former Pussycat Doll was surrounded by criticism after being announced for the programme due to her dance experience and her time spent in the band. She has since argued that her past won't give her an advantage on the show unless there's "booty popping in the ballroom." The Sun reports the singer and presenter said:

“Dance experience? If there’s booty popping in ballroom, maybe that will, but I don’t think there is.

“I’m really grateful to be here and I’m really excited about the challenge.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnCDopuF0pa/?hl=en&taken-by=iamashleyroberts Roberts was confirmed for the show just over a month ago following former Steps singer Faye Tozer and Capital FM DJ Vick Hope. She started dancing at the age of three before finding fame in The Pussycat Dolls alongside Nicole Scherzinger. The band originally started out as a burlesque group, eventually making their way into the charts with a string of hits including 'Don't Cha,' 'Buttons,' and 'Beep.' Roberts was paired up with professional dancer Pasha Kovalev.  She was the last star to be matched up during last night's launch show.