Ashley Roberts' story is one for the ages – a rags-to-riches tale that reads like a Hollywood script. From her early days as a dance-mad youngster in Phoenix, Arizona, this Pussycat Dolls icon has lived every inch of her ambition. Born with a passion for dance that ignited at just three years old, Roberts' drive was forged in the creative hotbed of her family home, where her musician dad and Pilates instructor mum nurtured an environment that encouraged self-expression.
But it's not all been smooth sailing – far from it. At 12, Roberts faced a setback when her dance teachers deemed her 'not good enough' to progress. Yet, this plucky kid refused to be defeated. She spoke up for herself with remarkable resolve, demonstrating the fierce determination that would become her hallmark.
Fast-forward eight years and Roberts was setting out on her own in Los Angeles, determined to make it as a professional dancer. Juggling three jobs – restaurant hostess, dance studio assistant, and emcee extraordinaire at Bar Mitzvahs (yes, she got crowds dancing to 'YMCA'!) – she saved every penny until she had just $1,000 stashed away. With that modest sum, she made the bold move west, initially landing work as a backing dancer in adverts and music videos, including Aaron Carter's 'I Want Candy'.
Her big break came when she snuck into Johnny Depp's Viper Room to audition for the Pussycat Dolls – and got the gig! The initial lineup was an audacious bunch, featuring Carmen Electra and generating a buzz that attracted A-listers like Brittany Murphy and Christina Aguilera. It was Gwen Stefani who proved instrumental in their major label signing, introducing them to Interscope head Jimmy Iovine.
The Pussycat Dolls went on to conquer the world – selling over 55 million records worldwide and claiming three weeks at No 1 in the UK with 'Don't Cha' in 2005. But beneath the glamour, Roberts reveals a harsh truth: 'nobody talked about coping skills or self-care' during their initial run, leading to widespread burnout before their split in 2010.
Now, as she takes to the stage alongside Nicole Scherzinger and Kimberly Wyatt on their 21-date tour, Roberts has come full circle. With a career that's spanned TV shows like 'I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!' and 'Strictly Come Dancing', not to mention hosting her own show on Heart 00s every Saturday, she's still got the sparkle – and the drive – that made her a global phenomenon.