Ashley’s Strictly Come Dancing partner Pasha Kovalev, 38, is said to be supporting her after public backlash because of her previous professional dance training.
He revealed that before each show, he whispers a “confidence boosting” message into 37-year-old Ashley’s ear.
Revealing her pre-show rituals to TV Times, Pasha unveiled his “Pashley bubble” routine.
He said: “On the dance floor, in that 10-20 seconds before the music starts, I tell Ashley that we’re getting into our ‘Pashley’ bubble.
“I tell her that it’s just her, me and the music, and that nothing else exists for the next 90 seconds.”
Teasing what he likes most about working with Ashley, Pasha said: “It makes a big difference, when you’re working with someone, if you like them on a personal level.
“We joke around and never fight, so it’s really good.”
Fans will remember that Pasha won the 2014 series with TV presenter Caroline Flack – but could he win the 2018 series with Ashley?
Pasha continued: “All the professionals on Strictly grew up competing so to get something to show for it at the end of the series is amazing.
“All Ashley and I can do is do one dance at a time and try to do it the best we can. But I wouldn’t say no to another trophy!”
It comes after former Pussycat Doll Ashley was said to be worried that fans will continue to vote her into the bottom two.
An insider told The Sun: “She was upset after last week’s dance-off but put it down to a one-off.
“When it happened again she was on the verge of tears. She thinks it will happen every week and asks what more she can do.
“It’s knocked her confidence. She struggled to hide how hurt she was and needed reassurance from Pasha and the others.”
The insider added: “Ashley’s one of the best dancers ever on the show. But scraping through the dance-off each week takes the gloss off.”
Charles was axed from the show after the judging panel chose to save Ashley for a second week running, despite the public voting her into the bottom two once more.
The actor became the 10th celebrity to depart the dance floor after the judges’ scores were combined with the results of the viewers’ votes.
Charles and his professional partner Karen Clifton performed a Rumba to Maria from West Side Story, while Ashley and Pasha performed their Quickstep to Don’t Rain On My Parade from Funny Girl.
After both couples had danced a second time, the judges delivered their verdicts, with all four of the panel saving Ashley from elimination.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday on BBC One at 6.35pm.
