Bio
Ashley Hayden is a Zimbabwe-born South African actress and television presenter best known as a continuity presenter for pay-TV channel M-Net.
After a break to raise her family, Ashley returned to the entertainment business in 2006 with a role in the BBC production Coup.
She has also been taken all over the world with her travel show Bon Voyage, and in 2007 won the 100th episode of SABC3's game show The Weakest Link, donating her winnings to the SPCA.
She also appeared in the SABC3 drama series Homeland, in 2007.
In 2008 she was one of the celebrity dancers in the fourth season of the SABC2 reality dance competition Strictly Come Dancing. Her professional dance partner was Muntu Ngubane.
In Episode 6 she was the fifth celebrity to be eliminated (6 March), after losing a dance-off against Tanya van Graan and Brandon Eilers.
Ashley was one of the celebrity contestants on M-Net's Survivor South Africa: Santa Carolina, in 2010.
Strictly Come Dancing Q&A
Expectations: As a person I am afraid of change. I seldom try anything new so I knew this would be a challenge but I honestly did not expect it to be so exhausting. I have seen dancers perform and thought ‘wow’ but never really thought about what it takes to be one. Now I bow to all dancers.
Preparations: Juggling family, my job and dance has really made my rehearsals hard, there are so many hours needed for training. I know that what I give is exactly what I will get and am working very hard at preparing myself for this.
Challenges: Every single aspect of the rehearsals has been challenging. I was not physically prepared although I do exercise. It has also been hard preparing myself mentally.
My partner Muntu: He is the most amazing creature, he never looses his cool. He is always mentally encouraging and never makes me feel like an idiot even when I appear clueless about dance. No matter how long it takes me to learn a routine, he still remains humble and professional.
I am looking forward to… I know that the show will take up a lot of my time. I expect that once we hit the 31st time will fly. I have enjoyed the rehearsal process but now that Muntu and I will be facing other contestants the real excitement and drama will start.