The newest recruit to the Strictly Come Dancing line-up is reportedly former JLS star Aston Merrygold – and he’s already being tipped for the top.
The singer was known for his backflipping dance routines in the band, which will give him an advantage. He was also a judge on TV talent show Got To Dance.
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“It doesn’t have to be ballroom or Latin dancing experience to give someone an edge,” a source told The Sun.
“Aston spent years being choreographed in JLS, and that rhythm and ability to follow instructions put him streets ahead of competitors.”
He is also best friends with former Strictly champion Louis Smith — the pair grew up together in Peterborough.
“We used to have dance-offs as kids, but ‘street’ and ‘breaking,'” said Aston.
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Aston has also showed off his dance skills on TV talent show Stars in the Eyes – as a 14-year-old he appeared as Michael Jackson. He was also in children’s TV show Fun Song Factory.
He’s been to the Strictly Come Dancing studios before, having turned up to support Louis. He said at the time: “I cannot be any more proud of him.”
Aston is also friends with another new Strictly contestant, The Saturdays singer Mollie King.
The singer was with JLS for five years before they announced their split on 22 December 2013. He went on to release solo tracks including Get Stupid.
Aston joins a Strictly line-up that includes Holby City star Joe McFadden, Rev Richard Coles, Emmerdale star Gemma Atkinson, This Morning presenter Ruth Langsford and EastEnders star Davood Ghadami.
Said Richard: “Cometh the hour, cometh the overweight Vicar with arthritis in his knees.”
Joe said he was “thrilled and terrified in equal measure”.
Mollie said her bandmate Frankie Bridge, who previously appeared in Strictly, was delighted for her. She added: “It’s going to be a lot of hard work but I’m ready for the challenge.”