In this episode of We Need To Talk, Ashley Roberts shares the real story behind The Pussycat Dolls, revealing the emotional and physical toll of being in one of the world’s biggest girl groups.
She opens up about the intense pressure of the music industry, her ongoing battle with anxiety, and the personal breaking point that made her walk away from dance.
For the first time, Ashley reflects on the gruelling schedules, behind-the-scenes struggles, and the moment she knew she had to put her wellbeing first.
She reveals:
◽️ The real reason The Pussycat Dolls broke up
◽️ How anxiety and addiction crept in behind the scenes
◽️ The moment she knew she couldn’t keep performing
◽️ Why Strictly Come Dancing was a tribute to her dad
◽️ How moving to the UK helped her rebuild her identity
◽️ Why breathwork became a daily lifeline
◽️ How she navigated the stigma around her age-gap & why she’s never been happier
Ashley Roberts, We Need To Talk.
This episode touches on suicide so please watch with care. We’ve included links to support charities below:
Samaritans: https://g2ul0.app.link/1CRhatR7mPb
CALM: https://g2ul0.app.link/YvmzhM17mPb
MIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/d72yzu7jJOb
Follow me here:
https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod
Support Ashley here:
Instagram: https://g2ul0.app.link/lAUL4dUU9Ub
TikTok: https://g2ul0.app.link/qPnK1UWU9Ub
Breathwork Book: https://g2ul0.app.link/XeONyN0U9Ub
(00:00) Intro
(02:04) Ashley's Love of Dancing
(03:25) Ashley's Experience of Moving to LA at 19
(07:07) How Ashley Joined the Pussycat Dolls
(09:58) How the Pussycat Dolls Became a Global Phenomenon
(16:21) Paul's Favourite Pussycat Dolls Song
(17:57) The 'Structure' of the Pussycat Dolls
(19:28) Why the Pussycat Dolls Reunion Never Materialised
(20:46) How Much Money the Pussycat Dolls Made According to Paul
(22:52) The Day-to-Day of Touring with the Pussycat Dolls and Its Effect on Ashley
(26:15) Paul Has a Pussycat Dolls-Related Surprise for Ashley
(28:39) The Aftermath of Leaving the Pussycat Dolls
(31:10) Falling Out of Love with Dancing Post-Pussycat Dolls
(33:53) Ashley's Experience of 'I'm a Celeb'
(36:51) Going on Strictly and Ashley's Changing Relationship with Dance
(42:28) Tinder Ad
(43:33) Ashley's Dad and His Mental Health Struggles
(50:53) Ashley's Advice for Anyone Who's Experienced a Loss from Suicide
(53:44) Ashley's History of Anxiety and Insomnia
(57:53) How Did Ashley Discover Breathwork?
(1:06:58) Ashley's New Book About Breathwork
(1:08:06) A Message from Ashley's Mum
(1:09:54) Ashley's Relationship History
(1:17:03) Ashley's Current Relationship and Her Feelings Around Age-Gap Romances
(1:23:18) Most Memorable Conversation
(1:31:03) Paul's Takeaways
Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB
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