Aston Merrygold, the JLS singer who was eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, has described his shock departure as an 'ego boost'. The 38-year-old was a bookies' favourite to win the show when he was voted off in week seven after a dance-off with Mollie King, with head judge Shirley Ballas casting the deciding vote. The exit sparked widespread fan fury and remains one of the most controversial in the programme's history.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Express, Merrygold said: 'It was very complimentary. I think that's probably the best way to go about it. When I did leave, it caused such an uproar. And I think it's still to this day, the biggest kind of drama-filled exit of that show that's ever been, which I'm proud to be a part of.' He added that the reaction showed 'the love and the support' and 'the belief that people had in me'.
Merrygold, who continues to perform with JLS after their 2021 reunion, also discussed the band's decision to take a seven-year hiatus. He explained that all four members were receiving individual opportunities and found it difficult to balance everything, leading to a mature decision to step back. 'We had to rip the bandage off and say we're all trying different stuff,' he said.
In a new venture, Merrygold has partnered with Bupa Dental Care to launch a children's storybook and audiobook aimed at reducing anxiety about dentist visits. He hopes the project will also help him as a parent to his three children with wife Sarah Louise. 'I thought maybe I'll be able to pick up some more parenting hacks here,' he said, noting that dental anxiety is common among adults too.
