Dancer Ashley wins TV reprieve

A TALENTED Sheffield schoolgirl has danced her way to the finals of a top BBC talent show and will compete for a place supporting R 'n' B star Rihanna on tour.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Aug 2007, 14:49 BST
Updated 20th Aug 2007, 10:05 BST

Ashley Shaw, aged 17, has scraped through to the finals of BBC1's DanceX challenge - a hunt to find the next singing and dancing sensation.

She will compete in next week's final despite finding herself in the bottom two acts on Saturday night.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The youngster, who picked up her AS-level results last week, faced a nailbiting 'dance-off' with team-mate and close friend Kalvin Lamley.

DanceX contestants are split into two teams which are fronted by dance experts Arlene Phillips and Bruno Toniolo, of Strictly Come Dancing fame,.

Ashley was on Arlene's team.

Each week the viewers vote for their favourite, Team Arlene or Team Bruno, and the leader of the losing team then has to vote off one of their own members.

Sadly for Ashley, whose mum Joy lives on Horndean Road, Firth Park, she was picked by team captain Arlene to dance for survival.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But she gave it her best shot and was chosen to compete in next week's final, while 22-year-old Kalvin went home.

"Ashley was upset about being in the dance-off, especially seen as she was put up against Kalvin," said Joy.

"She sees him like a brother and was upset and a bit angry. But she is very excited about the finals and is working hard."

Joy, who has been to watch her daughter in every show, took two of Ashley's best friends with her on Saturday.

She plans to the same for the final.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Seeing her friends was a big confidence boosts for Ashley," she said.

"She loves the contest but it is hard work and there are a lot of things she misses, like her friends, going shopping at Meadowhall, her bedroom.

"Spending time with her friends lets her talk about the things she misses and helps her to relax."

Ashley is now determined to face the challenge of the finals head on.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"She is very focused and I like to think she is feeling confident, but I'm sure she is nervous and excited as well."

She called on Sheffield viewers to support her: "I just want to say to everyone in Sheffield - vote Team Arlene on Saturday."

The

DanceX final is on BBC1 on Saturday, 8.30pm.

Related topics:RihannaSheffieldBBC