Host Tess Daly has pleaded with Strictly Come Dancing fans to not give Ashley Roberts the cold shoulder during the series finale this weekend.
She told The Sun Online the former Pussycat Doll is highly-regarded on the show, despite accomplished dancer Ashley’s appearances in the bottom two dance off over the last few weeks.
And presenter Tess, 49, also called on viewers not to boycott voting for the 37-year-old, who is said to have been left sobbing after weeks of negative reactions from those watching at home.
Stressing how every vote counts, Tess claimed there isn’t all that much in terms of support to separate the four finalists.
Read more: Weeping Kevin Clifton thanks Stacey Dooley for helping him fall in love again
She is reported to have said: “We love Ashley. No more tears [for Ashley], please vote for her.
“It’s close at the top. It’s going to be an interesting show on Saturday – it’s going to be competitive, it’s going to be unmissable.”
Tess added: “At the end of the day the public choose their winner, and who can predict who that’s going to be? This is the closest year – never been so close.”
Ashley faces BBC personality Stacey Dooley, YouTuber Joe Sugg and Steps member Faye Tozer in the last stage of the dancing competition.
Read more: James Jordan blasts Strictly for unfair treatment of Ashley Roberts
But Ashley – partnered with Pasha Kovalev – is tipped to finish behind her fellow finalists, having previously been reported to have felt unappreciated on the show.
It has been speculated TV audiences are failing to get behind one of the most talented performers in this year’s line up because of Ashley’s extensive training and professional experience as a dancer.
Ashley, who has trained in a variety of dance styles since childhood, has come under fire from some Strictly fans for having an ‘unfair advantage’ over dance novices such as Graeme Swann, Joe Sugg and Lauren Steadman.
Tess has spoken up for Ashley before her comments to The Sun, dismissing complaints about her experience.
During an appearance on Lorraine, Tess said: “She’s got experience in a girl band dancing as a pop star. But ballroom dancing is a very different discipline.
“You never saw the Pussycat Dolls doing a Viennese Waltz, for example. It demands a different set of skills.
“She trains as hard, if not harder than anyone else. She’s in the studio 12 hours a day, they all are.”
Documentary presenter Stacey, 31, and pro partner Kevin Clifton are currently the bookies’ favourites to triumph.
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