Red Head Ashley Goes Down in Flames

Six Nancys had to become five on last week's I'd Do Anything and it was fiery Ashley who was made to say her goodbyes to West End stardom

Well I suppose it had to happen sooner or later didn't it? Ashley Russell, the singing coach from Edinburgh, was finally booted off the BBC casting hunt last night after weeks of being lambasted by the judges. Labelled "indestructible" by legendary Fagin Barry Humphries, Ashley fought tooth and nail to stay in the competition. Andrew Lloyd Webber had been especially harsh on the red head on Saturday when, in a parody of the lyrics of her performance, he told her she should "run for the bus" and go home.

She had performed Say a Little Prayer for the panel on Saturday and, though her voice was technically fine, she seemed totally unconnected with the words. Denise Van Outen even said that she thought the performance was very "cruise ship" and I think a lot of people knew what she meant. Though she clearly has the ability to sing very well, she doesn't command anything like the same stage presence as any of the other Nancys.

The sing off on Sunday came down to her and Niamh (most unfair I thought because Niamh's True Colours on Saturday was easily amongst the better performances). Singing Don't Cry for me Argentina, again Andrew questioned Ashley's ability to connect with the words though he did apologise for being hard on Ashley during Saturday's show.

So, Ashley goes back to teaching drama and singing this week and Andrew said that he thought her students should feel very proud of everything she's achieved. The five remaining Nancys go through to next week's show and continue to try and battle for their place in the West End musical.

Published by: Nathan Brooker