Former Pussycat Doll singer Ashley, 37, hooked up with 32-year-old Mark, who shot to fame on the US version Dancing With The Stars, while both were living in the States.
Insiders fear the link could cause embarrassment for Shirley when she scores Ashley’s dancing on Strictly.
A source said: “Mark and Ashley enjoyed a number of cosy dates but decided they would be better off as friends.
“You have to wonder, given their background, whether it will make things awkward for Shirley to judge Ashley.”
Ashley and Mark were first spotted on a date in 2008, when they enjoyed a night out with friends at Hollywood sushi restaurant Katsuya.
Ashley wore tight jeans and heels. Mark, the only child of Shirley and ex-husband Corky, looked more casual in a hoodie and trainers.
They had a brief fling in 2010 — the year Ashley’s bandmate Nicole Scherzinger competed on Dancing With The Stars.
Ashley attended Mark’s joint birthday party with Nicole’s dance partner Derek Hough.
A reveller at the H-Lounge is West Hollywood said: “Ballas hung out in a VIP section and cosied up to Ashley. He was a gracious host and made sure all the guests were having fun.”
Later Ashley and Mark went on a romantic balloon trip and shared a snap snuggled up together. In a few days they made their first red carpet appearance together at a film premiere. The source added: “The romance fizzled out shortly after.”
In 2012 Mark met singer-songwriter BC Jean and they married in 2016. Ashley remained close friends with Mark and forms part of the couple’s extended circle of pals.
In February Mark and BC attended the launch of Ashley’s footwear range in London.
Shirley defended Ashley’s role on the show after moans about her dance background.
She said on ITV’s Loose Women last month: “She did some hip-hop. Everyone danced a bit during their careers. It’s a whole different story when it comes to ballroom or Latin.”
Last night a source insisted: “Shirley is the ultimate professional and will be impartial towards all the contestants.”
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