Ashley Roberts broke down in tears on Saturday Night's Strictly Come Dancing after performing the most emotional dances of the series. Shirley Ballas also had to fight back the tears after Ashley dedicated her Contemporary dance to her late father, who was the drummer in 60s band Mamas and Papas. Ashley danced to Unsteady – Erich lee Gravity Remix by X Ambassadors with partner Pasha Kovalev, which earned them the highest judges' score of the night.
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© Photo: BBCShirley found the dance very emotional
Afterwards, Shirley said: Well I think today you spoke for everybody in the country who has ever lost somebody that they love. And, I also lost somebody and many other people have lost somebody. This was sincere. It was from your heart and purely danced from a beautiful." She continued: "And I’m so, so sad you’re dad is not here to see you but I know he would be proud of you." All the judges awarded Ashley and Pasha with a ten, apart from Craig Revel Horwood who scored them a nine.
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© Photo: BBCAshley cries with Pasha
Ashley has opened up about her father before on the show, when her other surprised her at rehearsals. Ashley said at the time: "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.” When her mum arrived from Arizona, Ashley hugged her and described her as, "Special, beautiful and kind," before adding: "It just means the world to me that she's here." Pasha then danced with her mum around the rehearsal studio!
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