Ashley Roberts says her dad would be "super proud" of her competing on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Ashley Roberts
The 36-year-old singer - whose father Pat, 69, took his own life in April after a long battle with mental health issues - can feel her father "with her on the dancefloor" when she is competing on the Latin and ballroom show.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, Ashley said: "It's been a really tough year and I know my dad would be super proud of me.
"I think about him when I'm dancing, and of course he is with me on that dancefloor.
"He's definitely with me throughout this experience."
The 'Strictly' star - who topped the leaderboard when the BBC One dancing competition returned to screens last weekend - admitted the former The Mamas & The Papas drummer, who initially inspired Ashley's move into showbusiness, is always "with her" and his memory lives on.
Ashley - who's brother Jayce also battles with mental health, following a schizophrenia diagnosis - added: "I know he's with me in spirit. I'm really grateful to end this year off with 'Strictly'.
"This year has helped me to grow. It's shown me what I love in life and that's why I'm beyond grateful to be on this show.
"I've found my inner strength."
Ashley is paired with pro dancer Pasha Kovalev on the programme, and she praised him for making her feel relaxed when they are competing.
She said: "Pasha's great at calming my nerves. He calls it our little Pashley bubble and we stay in that. It's our team name."
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