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27 May 2012
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Contestants

Ashley

Ashley Shaw

 

video Introducing Ashley - find out what Arlene and Bruno really think.

video Ashley's Audition Dance

video Ashley's Audition Song

video Ashley: Advised to just be who she is

Click here to leave a comment about Ashley.

 

At 17, Ashley is the youngest dancer in the competition. She's never had any formal dance training. She lives at home in Sheffield with her policewoman mum and her nine year old sister. Ashley's in her first year of college, studying A Levels in Psychology, English language and Media. To earn a little pocket money, Ashley works part-time in an American-style diner serving food dressed as a cowgirl! She's currently single.

Ashley's already accustomed to success. In addition to her dancing, she was something of a child prodigy at gymnastics and by the age of 14 had already won more than 30 medals at various gymnastic championships.

Despite enjoying so much success, life for Ashley hasn't been plain sailing. As a teenager, she was the victim of constant bullying at school and this dramatically damaged her confidence and self-esteem.

The athletic physique she built from years of gymnastic conditioning was ridiculed by some of the other girls in her year. "People used to tease me for having a manly body," Ashley explains, "When you're a girl of that age you can't help caring about what everybody else thinks about you, so in the end I quit gymnastics."

Since leaving school, Ashley's life has turned around dramatically. Today, Ashley still struggles with the way she looks, but she actually relishes being in front of the camera and dreams of being a model.

Ashley applied for DanceX because her mum saw the trail on TV and promptly printed the application form off the internet for Ashley to complete, confident her daughter was talented enough to make the grade.

Your comments

How do you think Ashley will get on in the competition? Use the form below to send us your comment and we'll publish the best ones on this page.

Megan R
Ashley was probably the bravest person on that stage at seventeen and to be in the finel takes some nerve and she has deffinatly got it - team arlene should have beaten team bruno easily and i still hate marie she is so ugly and cant dance at all .

maxine
Ashley....your dancing and singing were great! Someone had to win but do not let this stop you carrying on, as all of you were great and the winners will be the ones that keep it up, so dont let it go to waste, dance !!!! YOU ARE GREAT !

Leslie Gidley
I think Ashley was soooo sweet and deserved to be in the winning team! Ashley - you're a great singer and light up the stage! R u seeing any1!!!! lol

indie
you are really brave ashley sorry that your team lost. i bet there will be loads of opportunities for you because you are a fantastic dancer and singer!! all the best

Michael Westmorland
Ash-i thought your individual performance was by far the best on sat night and you are the the star of that show.my heart goes out to you for not being in the winning group and i felt so sorry for you when you broke down but dont worry, with your gorgeous looks and talent you should be hot property in the entertainment world.

Martin
Even though I wanted Bruno's team to win Ashley was the best all rounder out of everyone. From looks, to vocal and dance no one could top her. If only she could have replaced the blond on the other group.

Jane Hoops
If I were you, go and get some dance lessons, like Ballet and Jazz. Take your A Levels, then get some more training. You have the raw talent, so go and learn loads. Well done.

Daisy
Hey, I just want to say that I think u were really amazing throughout the whole show, and I think your group really should have won.Hopefully, just because you didnt suceed this time wouldnt stop you keep going and one day depute on your own.Good Luck

Baz
What a shame your team didn't make it as winners last night. Now is the time to collect your thoughts, get the A levels and have some fun. But don't give up the work you have put in during the competition. You have an immense amount of talent and you will go a long way in whatever you do.

Bailey Oliver-McGinty
Well Done Ash you were my winner by far. xx

Amz
I cannot belive this girl has never had a dance lesson before. A million girls would dream of being as talented as you. Amazing voice and even better dance moves.. talent.. even if Arlene doesnt win.. you are a definate winner in the nations eyes! Follow your dream.. you'll go far!

Melanie Minton
I think Ashley is fantastic, the real star of Dance X. The best vocalist and dancer and most georgous girl above all. I have really enjoyed watching Dance X and am 100% behind Arlenes Team and Ashley especially. xxx

Tamar (DanceX)
Good luck babe...Dont let last week knock your confidence. You are a star.Tamar x

Kirsty
I think that Ashley is great. TEAM ARLENE 2 WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

karen sheffield
x factor judges will be watchin this now an kickin themselves now for not even givin you an audition ha ha their loss if there is any justice you will defo win you certainly didn't deserve to be in the bottom two on saturday but arlene had to lose one of the team i knew she would keep you as you are the one holding the team together and ash just remember if arlene's team by some tragedy doesn't win in the final that doesn't mean that you've lost your career is only just begining lots of people in the trade are watchin you and you are causing such a furor keep smilin an singin all the best from bossy karen at the boardwalk x

matty
im still supporting team bruno but i still think ashley rocks!you do your thing beyonce !

Paris Wright
Ashley go win it you know your the best on dancex and for your age you will always be remembered by me and i wish i can be like you so go win it Ashley!

Emma!!
you are really talented!! your an amazing dancer and a wicked singer!! on saturday when you were in the final 2 i was sitting at home with my fingers crossed hoping you werent going to go and you didnt wooo!!!team arlene to win!!!xxxxxxxx

Rachel
Ashley , you are so great and the best out of everyone in Dance X good luckxxx

Tamar (DanceX)
Awww I just watched the kissing task for team Arlene! A little awkward maybe babe...However, how could you NOT have want to kiss Daniel?Corrrr...!;-DTay x

s.dbn
WOW!!!!!! u have blown me over!!! what a voice!!! u opened that mouth girl and something i have never ever heared came out!!!

Your Mama
It was painful to watch you and Kalvin in the final two. you both had no right to be there. TEAM ARLENE should NOT have lost. What's going on????? We had the better team and it showed. By the way BRUNO GROW UP!!!!!!!

Katie
Ashley has been my fave from the start she is so talented and did'nt deserve to be in the bottom two last night come on team Arelene to win! x

katie
you are a great dancer and your the best singger in DanceX. vote team Arlene

Bethan
I know that team Arlene is the team u want be in but I do think you would fit better by far in Bruno's team.

Georgie
ashley is fantastic she has the most amazing voice to + she lives the best city of all SHEFFIELD

sophie
Ashley you have been my favourite from the begining im glad you always go through.KEEP IT UP

Salma
Hey Ashley...you been gr8 :pi've seen all the banners and posters outside your house and on your mums car (",)i saw you on tv - and i was like "oh my god, thtas ashley"i couldn't believe it at 1st, but its sinked in now...wish you all the best hun(hehe, yes its me salma the one who lives on same road as you lol) best of luck love Salma

Cool123
I think you are great! You are so young yet full of energy. You deserve to win best of luck!

Rachel
WOW! i think that your voice is amazing! I used to do gymnastics and i used to get teased about it aswell! keep on going ashley i really hope you get into the final next week! xxxxxxxxxxx

Lauren Callaghan - English Crew!
Ashley Ashley Ashley... SO proud of you girl! Missing my English Buddy so much! You are easily the best in that comp, and no doubts about you winning! You are faaaab...with or without our sunglasses fettish! Can't wait to see you... And those white boots were niiiiice! lol. loooove you millions x Lauren - Lindsay L! (ha!) x

Phil
Whazzap Ash yes its me the one you whupped on the dance machine at your moms house that time...Go for it girl....

Sammi F
Ashley - what can I say?!! You're one of the best in team Arlene and if it wasn't for you they would have lost every week. Don't listen to the criticism, if you weren't good they wouldn't keep putting you forward for the dance/sing off at the end - and you're SO much better than Claire! But also the solo singing - you're voice is really good.Keep going and keep believing! Everyone knows you can do it!!Sammi xx

SHEFFIELD
Sheffield's right behind you Ashley. We like to read about you in the local "Star". Many see you as a role model after what you have gone through and that your the youngest one in there and still fighting your corner. not to mention the fact you have had no training in the arts like all the others have. COOL... lol (natural diva)

Mama
Ashley your a star. what more can I say. You deserve to be there.

Kate
Ashley you are amazing! The best thing in Arlenes group! Would have loved to see you work with Rana like! I love you in Rythm of Life you sound amazing!! x

Katyee
Ashley- you are amazing girl and your really good at dancing! I hope one day you will win for this competitions! It does'nt matter what people say.. It all about that how good dancer you are and how strong you are. Keep it up the good works and don't give up. Goodness, Me! Everyone loves you. G-O-O-D L-U-C-K Ashley!! ;)

Sophie
this gurl can SING she has such a powerful voice shes amazingGO TEAM ARLENE!!!

waris
ashley i think you rocked the house this week no matter what bruno or anyone else says your the best simply the best go on you can do it. i no you can put yoour heart and soul into something cause ive seen it. you can do it. VOTE 4 TEAM ARLENE

ashton ur boardwalk orange eater buddie
hiya chick ur doing wicked hope u win ur fab missing u at work tho hun hehe bet ur not missing us lol, good luck and i no you will do well lv yas xx

Gracie
Ashley your absolutely amazing theres no other word of describing how good you are, with no dance training aswell youve got so far and your ability of dancing and singing is beyond amazing!! youve got such a strong voice thats not only good but unique and your my inspiration to be confident and achieve loads...your definately the best and i hope you win good luck xxx

Chaneil
This girl is not just a pretty face. She has some lungs on her - she is extremely talented! I also love the fact that she gets better and better! There is NO contest between her and Claire!! (No offence to Claire)

sally
Ashley has defo got the best voice and is the best dancer.She is so gorgeous.gud luck Ash!

megan
go on girl!!do sheffield proud mamma!!!!

Vanessa Williams
You go girl Ashley I too nearly gave up my dream because of tragic circumstances. But I eventually overcame them and went on to dance for the Pet Shop Boys.

Chante Shaw
arlene's group to win! luv em all expscalliy ashley!goooooooo arlenexx

Samantha Connell
well done ash for getting this far and i hope you go all the way. your amazing! you hav the voice and the dance ability. im 17 as well as a dancer and i would never hav the guts to do what you've done. you hav my full 100% suport all the time! you deserve it! XXX

Becky
Fantastic. Great singer and dancer. Ashley's someone with real talent and not the fakes you see today. You go girl.

xxlil-devil-zoxx
Hiya Ashley i thought you sang brill the other night you are the best singer in the whole compertition by miles!!! I am an young girl from biddulph stoke-on-trent and i would love to sing and dance like you!!!YOU GO GIRL!!!!

Honey
Ashley - you are absolutely fantastic. We know no matter what happens - YOU ARE THE BEST - AND ALWAYS WILL BE!

Winston & Judith Shaw
Heres a quick well done note from your Uncle and Aunt from overseas in Canada. You have overcome the odds and done really well your yourself. We know your Mom is proud of you. You go girl.

Miranda
Ashley has the best voice in the whole comp by miles! Go, girl! Show all bullies everywhere how stupid they are!

jasmine
you have got what it takes you are fab and the most talented you are the only reason why i want arlene's team 2 win GO ASHLEY x x x

CaliforniaSongs
Ashley's good. When I see and hear her, I can immediately see possibility of a huge career in pop music. Everyday that she's being coached by the Dance X team is like a special gift that will help her on the road to a fantastic career. She has a vocal timbre similar to an unpolished Leona Lewis and I wouldn't be surprised to hear that Simon has her in his sights -- Ashley has a high pitched, melodic speaking voice and probably has a broader range than she's currently using. It'll be interesting to see this rough diamond shine once she's had a bit of polish. Good Luck Ashley, you should be fine.

Angharad
Ashly you rock! Keep standing strong! you will go on tour with Rhianna!

Ally
Let your afro out once in awhile hunn yu'll lukk betta than rana go on girl win it !!!!!!

ALishIA
ASHLEY TO WIN she is soo flexible and this girl can hold a note she's a great performer and should be in a chance of winnin by the way CAN I HAVE UR AUTOGRAPH L.O.V.E ALISH XX

Éire!!**
Ashley is an amazing singer and dancer. I never even new this show existed, I was flicking through the channels and I saw her singing she is the reason I watched the show. And I was praying she would not be the one who was axed (as whats his name calls it). Ashley you are briliant and I believe you can win the competition. Xxxx

HOLLY - SHEFFIELD!!!!
go on ash - your flippin sick!!You are def the most noticeable of your group and your last vocal satday night was AMAZING man!! Woopw woop ! Defo gonna win!!Love ya man! big up sheff

frank warner
hi ash cousin franke here you are a star and iam very proud of you keep it up girl

Hannah
hi i think your a brilliant dancer your gourges and amazing im 12 years old and have been bullied my self wich nocked my confidence in dancing .But watching dance x has made me get my passion for dancing back and now knowing you got bullied and have made your life turn around has made me even more passionet to go baack to dance next term and show what i can do .

sheffield allstars
you are doing sheffield very proud young lady, keep up the hard work it will pay off in the end when you win it

Jules
WOW, you were amazing last week! You have Shirley Bassey like power and prescence to your voice. You have the potential to develop an amazing vocal range. You really deserve to be in the show! It was a great experience to watch from the audience.& im really pleased to see a down to earth Sheffield lass competing. loads of love, Jules XXXX

Tamar
Ashley you were so sexy and strong last week! Considering you are the youngest in the competition... you dominated the stage and showed the audience that you could be a little diva! he he he! Good luck this week... I hope they haven't been working you too hard babe! You have got the most wonderful inner strength.Tamar (Dance X)Tamar (Dance X)

xox sumana xox
i think ashley on the first week showed how much talent she had and ireleane and bruno both wanted her to be in their group. i think ashley is going to do very well she is a great dancer and singer and the youngest is always the best

Lara Morgan
ashley you are shining all the time and you are get better babe hope that you win this and i think you deserve this and i hope that you will remeber me when you are a shing star and you know that you are anyway all the best of luck and love babe xxxxxxxxxx your little friend frrom primary scholl and onwords Lara Morgan

Barry Johnston (and Camilla & baby Jose)
Ashley - you were STUNNING girl! Go for it! Proud of you and always will be! love you loads!

Joanna Graham
It was a pleasure to watch Ashley on DanceX we can see that she is an assest to the team they left the best till last. go Ashley u r goooooood Love Aunt Cinty x Lorna x Joanna

Luke Peacock
Oh My God! How on earth you did several backflips in those heels, you go girl!

Trudi Hargrave
well done ashley! fantastic to see your success. i remember you when i worked at monteney and you were in yr 1. there was always something special about you. go for it!

Laura Park
Well done Ashley you were really good on saturday.If you keep that up then you're gonna go far and you're gonna be ahead of some of the others.Well done.x

Sam Croft
Ashley you are beautiful, you can dance and you can sing you will win this no problem. You have everything going for you. I am your auntie Laurie's Daughter in law me and brandon will be watching every week to support you.

lauren coughlan
Omg I think Ashley is really stunning!Probably the preetiest girl on the show. I cant believe she would get bullied for having amanly body she has a figure to die for! Well all the best babes you are amazing lauren xxx

Jonney
Ashley you are awsome Love you to bits hope your team win you' ll do good

zoe beresford
hey ash known u since year 7 an i know ya naturally talented and i just know your goin to win allthe best xxxxxxxx zoe xxxxxxxx

GREG HAYNES
GOOOO ashley she is a wiked dancer And an even better singer ,im a producer and she would not sing 4 me because she was extremely shy but wait till she has finished on tour with rihanna > YES BECAUSE SHE IS GOIN 2 WIN <

Luis Whitaker
Ashley i watched it because sophie told me to watch you cause you were really good so i watched it saturday night with my m8z ... n you were fantastic your amazin you are awsome luv ... ASHLEY TO WIN WOOOOOOOOOOOP ! ! ! ! !

nan nan & grand dad
Grand daughter we are so proud of you. We knew you was talented all along. Keep up the good work. We will watch you on tv Ashley x

Mama
i will never forget Saturday 21st for the rest of my life. The judges jumped out of their seats after your performance hun..... I am so proud. they were actually fighting over you. Youv'e got It going on.....

Amii
Ashley-ur amazingly talented great performance on saturday and so glad Arlene got you she will challenge you!

Jennifer aka Jen'fer - workmate
my home girl ashley im soooo proud of you. you know i treat you like my baby sister. We all support you at work n even stop working when you perform lol. loads of love from your big sista jen'fer ASHLEY TO WIN xxxxxxxxxx

Graeme
hey its graeme from the manchester auditio well done for gettin through and i wll be watching and supportin ya! say hi to ur mum for me x x

Mr Birchall
I tuned into the first live show and your performance was tremendous! Taking part in Dance X could open up so many opportunities to you.Show the nation what you've got and make your friends and family proud. To win would represent a major achievement. Take care! BL

lizzy...
ashley where did that come from last night...you were right good, n you were always to shy to sing in front of us, WHY? ? ? ? ?Well done! your going all the way misses..!!! x x x x x x x x

Amy
Ashley Can I Just Say You Are Amazing !! ..You Are The True *Talent* On The Show & I There Is No Doubt In My Mind At All That You Will Win.. Outstanding Dancer, Amazing Voice & Beautiful Young Girl.. Couldnt Ask For Anythin More. Best Of Luck Darlin xx

xKitkatx
Your A Great Friend AshelyyyAnd I Know Your'll Do Well:)*All Your Friends N Family R Behind Ya 100%Can't Wait To See YaaGood Luck Babe Will Talk 2 You SoonLove You Always Katiexxxx

clairbear
You rocked the house Ashley! You seem to have a natural talent for the stage. Rockin' performace. And those trousers looked fantastic!

Sue Henderson (Primary Teacher)
I had the pleasure of Ashley being in my class as a Y5(10 year old) where she would enthusiastically choreograph pieces of music, then teach her ideas to a group of similar aged children, always producing excellent routines. You've got the talent - you'll achieve great things!

Owen
How could anyone not want to see Ashley perform again after that fabulous I love rock and roll performance. Brilliant.

David, Lincolnshire
Ashley, Chelsey, Becky & Rana - how fit, how talented. Should be just getting them together to make a new programme on its own. Well done and good luck.

Stacey
heeey ashley i go to same college as you and saw you on dance X 2nite and you were really good!! it was a big shock 2 c u onit cus no1 from sheffield ever gets on anything lol hopee u doo welll xxxx

Jennifer
Now who's laughing - you or the bullies?!

jordan!!
ashleys 2 win!!!!! so proud of ya ash!!! im gunna make a big banner sayin go asswipe lol hehe she knows what i mean! =)

Don
i think she deserves to a great and amazing dancer. Also i reckon, she is the hottest lady ever i have seen in my life apart from my girlfriend.

Rebecca Dodd
wow ashley, well done chick, i always knew u wud end up doing something like this!!!! known you since nursery, u were a star then! xx

Mark Bates
There are many who know that Ashley's overcome a lot of all kinds of adversity to reach this point. Beautiful. Talented. Deserves every success. Best wishes.

Lucie Wainwright
As Ashley's PE teacher, it's fantastic to see her incredible talent put to use. A very talented young lady, who i remember scaring me quite regularly at trampolining club as she performed front and back somersaults! i wish you the best of luck Ashley!

Bronwen Marks
We've got our fingers crossed for you at Monteney Primary School! We think you've got super talent. Reach for the stars Ashley! Miss Marks (Chante's teacher)

Tim Gill - PE teacher
Ashley, you always had an incredible natural talent for performing and it is a fantastic achievement to have got this far! I wish you the best of luck in Dance X, we know you can do it, now it's time to show the world!

Tom Fletcher, Turk and Sophie Whitiker
woop woop! u know we're comin to see you in live finals! Good luck hunnie we wish you the best and we'll be backing you all the way!!ASHLEY TO WIN!!love thee muchly <3

Jules Rake
AMAZING singer and dancer and absolutely stunning.. good luck =] x x x xASHLEY TO WIN!

woooo!!
cummon gurlie you can du it hunny...best friends forever!! I have got best friend braclets for us 2!!See you soon xxx

rachel (bristol)
I cant believe you used to get bullied ... you are beautiful AND extra talented! All the best XXX

Adrian Bates
hi Ashley,All the best. You go for it and be fantastic. Look forward to seeing you dancing in Australia.Best of luckFrom your uncle down-under in MelbourneAdrianx

Kay Molloy
Ashley Shaw i couldn't be more proud of you, do your best and c where you get but no matter what make sure you have fun! im behind you every step of the way love you always frm kay xxxxxxxx

Callum Rickhuss
Looking quiteeeeee fine ash, KEEP ON KILLIN IT LIKE YOU DO SOOO WELL. ;)

leon sharp
The baby of the group, however what she lacks in age, she makes up for in talent.A great prospect who would be a valued, and well liked member of the group. All the best, A proud cousin

Rob
Well done for getting into the final 16. Will be there watching on the first live show. Good luck. Rob

Chante Shaw
Ashlie to win! She is very talented!love her.She is very good for her age. We need to more of her though. You go sis xxx

Steven & Charlotte
Good luck for the show,we are so proud of you and we always knew you had great talent !! We are thinking of you...love and Hugs Steven & Charlotte !!

Robert Stabler
Come on Ashley you are great. I love you babe. You are going to WIN WIN WIN!

Emma Fox...
ive known ashley for 6 years and ive known that all she ever wanted to do was dance and sing. shes always been the most talented out of alot of people.!and ino she cn do it becos shes got everyone behind her! as always ash shake that booty like yu always do! yur gona go far...but dnt 4get me when you do hehe!Love You!X

Staci
I think Ashley may find the competion quite challenging, but i think she will enjoy it and wish her the best of luck!I will be backing her all the way as i too have experienced bullying because of my athletic figure!!You go!

freddy
all the best for winning

Laura Haynes
Pretty, with a nice voice, but why have the judges already stated their choices, when the competition hasn't started yet ?

charlotte
hiya Ashley you are well goig to win

lauren
what do u like about dancing

Lizzy Grayson
go on ash.... we are all behind... know you can do it...be confident though..!!you wudnt be where you are if you werent good! x x x

Stephen Haynes
Lovely girl, good singer. Need to see more of her

Sophie Morgan
nice to see more younger people on the show keep her in she fantastic!!!!!

Lara Morgan
i think ashley is a really good dancer /singer i want to see her stay in long and more of her

Joy Shaw
I'm biased I know but in my opinion ashley has the talent to be a member of Dance X. It's something she's dreamed of for most of her life. She's also shown an interst for song writing. Is there anything this girl can't do. Please show her your support. She's only 17 & she beat many thousands to get to where she is today. Ashlie..... bring it on... and show them how it's done. Your Mamma x

natalie kate evans
i think ashley is brilliant and the best in the competition.i think she will winbye ashleywish u luck from natalie xxxxxxxxxx

Gary Cooper
naturally more talented than the rest with no coaching needed, great friend through college and school, GO ASHLEY

SABRIN
ONE THING IS GO GIRL YOU GOING TO WIN BABY

Barry Johnston
Ashley - you are absolutely fantastic. We know no matter what happens - YOU ARE THE BEST - AND ALWAYS WILL BE!





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