Aston Merrygold wants to partner ‘shortest’ dancer on Strictly Come Dancing

Aston Merrygold wants to be paired with the "shortest dancer" on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The JLS singer has just agreed to take part in the forthcoming series of the ballroom and latin show, which will return to screens this autumn, but has admitted he’s concerned that bosses will put him with a "six-foot goddess" and it’ll look "odd" because he’s only 5ft4.
Speaking to the Daily Star newspaper, he said: "I want the shortest dancer. It would be odd if you had some six-foot goddess trampling around me."
The 29-year-old hunk – who was known for back flipping across the stage while performing with his band – has hit back at claims he’s at an advantage because of his past dance training and insists he’s never once tried ballroom and latin and it’s completely new to him.
He explained: "I am not a semi professional. It’s ballroom. It has nothing to do with what I do."
But Aston is willing to do all it takes to lift the famous glitterball trophy at the end of the series – even if that means ripping his top off to flash his toned pecs.
He said: "Will I get my chest out? That’s nothing new. In my JLS days there were no tops. My aim is to win. Anyone who says they just wanted to take part isn’t telling the truth. Winners have the best time and get a trophy. Surely everyone wants to do this."
He joins Simon Rimmer, Joe McFadden, Reverend Richard Coles, Gemma Atkinson, Ruth Langsford, Davood Ghadami and Mollie King who have also been confirmed for the new series, while more celebrity contestants will be announced in due course.
Although some stars are yet to sign on the dotted line, one thing’s for certain, there will be plenty of fireworks when the show returns this autumn as the judging panel and troupe of professionals have been given a huge shake up recently.
The forthcoming series will see legendary choreographer Shirley Ballas claim Len Goodman’s Head Judge seat following his shock departure at the end of last year and, although the fellow panelists – Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli – are excited to have her on board, they’re convinced she’ll stand her ground.