Ashley Roberts is reportedly concerned about "public backlash" over her dance background on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Ashley Roberts
The Pussycat Dolls singer has been topping the leaderboard for several weeks on the BBC Latin and ballroom dance competition, and even scored the first perfect 40 of the series.
But after facing the dance-off last week - where she narrowly escaped elimination when judges chose to send home cricketer Graeme Swann instead - she is said to be worried that her previous experience in dancing is turning the voting public against her.
A source said: "She is worried a public backlash will see her exit the competition despite being an early favourite to win.
"Ashley was incredibly shaken to be in the bottom two and was upset her popularity had gone after failing to secure public votes.
"She was seen being comforted by friends backstage."
As well as serving as a member of the Pussycat Dolls for seven years, 37-year-old Ashley started off her career in a burlesque dance troupe.
Sources also claim the other contestants left in the show are pleased to see her "unfair advantage" being brought to light, as the competition nears its closing stages with just six couples left battling for a place in the final.
The insider told The Sun's Bizarre TV Column: "Others left in the competition talked about justice being served after her former dance experience was brought up again this week.
"Some of the celebrities feel Ashley has an unfair advantage and it's about time the public were reminded of that.
"They feel she has sailed through the competition on an uneven playing field.
"The knives are out. Instead of consoling her, the professionals and celebrities celebrated this coming to light and affecting the voting this way."
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