Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts was approached as a possible replacement for Jamelia on RTE's Voice of Ireland.
The Herald can reveal how the American bombshell, who appeared on I'm a Celebrity… was approached by makers of the popular show as they scramble to fill the two remaining judging slots.
It was confirmed this week that Jamelia had quit the talent contest after efforts to renegotiate her contract fell through.
Ashley's manager was approached to find out if she would be available for the programme, which is due to start filming this autumn.
Producers were hoping she could do for the Voice of Ireland what her bandmate Nicole Scherzinger did for the X Factor, when she proved hugely popular on the show. However, due to budgetary constraints the reality star is now out of the running as RTE couldn't afford her.
"Ashley is what's known as a 'triple threat' because just like Nicole she can sing, dance and act. She's also drop-dead gorgeous with a really bubbly, outgoing personality," said a source.
"But when you're dealing with stars in the UK, it's a whole other ball game in terms of the kind of huge fees they can command. RTE just couldn't afford her, plain and simple."
She is now the second female judge not to return for the fourth series after Dolores O'Riordan decided against signing up for a second instalment.
Don't wanna sound shady cuz I like Ash but... why would they reject a promo like this? She should've settled for ANY PRICE they offered, since she really doesn't have any success as a solo singer over there... it would've been great for her.
I seriously don't get her team Being on TV every week would bring her some hype/buzz/popularity and with a performance on the show she could've even get her album to sell over there. She's at that point where any promo would be amazing, especially being a judge on a TV show.
It's not like she has anything else going on in her career How much money does she think she's worth, did she ever even sing in PCD? She was basically a glorified backup dancer
For the people questioning her decision, she's quite popular in the UK as a celebrity, just not as a popstar. She was right to turn this down. It wouldn't have helped her career in the slightest
It totally wouldn't help her career, so I understand her decision. I would be suprised if she refused a huge singing competition like the XFactor but that... Pffff.
Being on TV every week would bring her some hype/buzz/popularity and with a performance on the show she could've even get her album to sell over there. She's at that point where any promo would be amazing, especially being a judge on a TV show.
How much money does she think she's worth, did she ever even sing in PCD? She was basically a glorified backup dancer 
