Aston Merrygold has responded to claims that Strictly Come Dancing is fixed, stating that the show is not always easier for contestants with previous dancing experience.
Speaking to The Daily Star, the former JLS singer discussed his time on the show, revealing that he found his previous dancing experience a hinderance during practice.
"With someone like myself, Janette [Manrara, his pro partner] was pulling her hair out because I had to stand in a certain way but I was so used to standing in the way that I do when I'm performing," he said.
Merrygold had taken part in the 15th season of the show in 2017 with Janette Manrara, being eliminated in the seventh week.
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“She was like, 'I almost want you to be a blank canvas because this is actually harder to make you move left when you want to go right.' Literally, it just is what it is.”
Merrygold also stated that most contestants have experience being in the entertainment industry, adding: "I think, we’re all in the entertainment industry, no one kind of makes it by luck in this day and age.
“I think a lot of people don't realise how many people have gone to movie, theatre schools and colleges and whatever else – there's always been somewhat training for a lot of people.”
Related: Emmerdale's Adam Thomas addresses Strictly talk
Over the years, Strictly has been plagued by allegations of the show being fixed in favour of contestants with dancing and entertainment experience.
Show bosses have always denied these claims.
Responding to a claims of fixing made previously by fellow Strictly alumni Rachel Riley, a Strictly spokesperson said: "This claim is categorically untrue. The BBC has strict procedures and editorial guidelines in place regarding impartiality and Strictly upholds all of these."
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One.
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Reporter, Digital Spy
Brenna Cooper is a freelance journalist, who currently specialises in entertainment reporting. She joined Digital Spy in 2022, writing TV and movies stories for the site. After graduating with an NCTJ accredited Journalism Masters from the University of Sheffield in 2020 she has since embarked on a freelance career.
Brenna previously produced lifestyle content for Checklists.co.uk and has a specific interest in music, reviewing live acts and interviewing bands such as Confidence Man and Amyl and the Sniffers.
