Strictly Come Dancing star Ashley Roberts has responded to an action-packed weekend by thanking everyone who has been sending her "positive messages of love and support".

The Pussycat Dolls singer, with professional partner Pasha Kovalev, achieved another perfect 40 for her American Smooth – her second of the series – and came joint-top with the judges across both dances.

However, the couple also found themselves in the bottom two again, and had to get through their third consecutive dance-off to book their place in the final.

Strictly Come Dancing – Ashley Roberts and Pasha Kovalevpinterest
Guy Levy//BBC

There has been a lot of discussion about why Ashley hasn't been picking up the votes she arguably deserves, given her consistent standout performances.

Before the series, some people suggested that having prior dance experience might give her an 'unfair' edge, something which many people associated with the show have denied.

Posting on Instagram after making it to the final, Ashley said that she is "grateful" for experiencing "the whole spectrum of the Strictly adventure", and explained that she too has been on a journey over the course of the series, having not known the difference between ballroom and Latin.

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"What a weekend. From 4 10s to having to do the dance-off for the third time in a row," she wrote. "I have definitely gotten to experience the whole spectrum of the Strictly adventure. And I'm grateful for it all!

"I remember when I first started, I had to call my mom (she's a huge fan of the show) to ask her what style was ballroom and which was Latin! And now I can say I sort of enjoy a ballroom hold and a little cha-cha of the hips!

"To those on social media sending positive messages of love and support... thank you!!!!! Your messages helped give me a boost when I needed it."

Ashley closed her post by thanking Pasha, saying: "Now it's Final Time!!! Can't believe it! We did it @pashakovalev, you're the best."

The Strictly Come Dancing finale airs on Saturday (December 15) at 6.30pm on BBC One as one couple win the Glitterball Trophy. The special will also feature music from crooner Michael Bublé.


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