DIVA caught up with this self-proclaimed “U-hauler” to find out about her time on the show
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGES BY BBC / TWO FOUR / JAMES STACK
What’s the best way to win over a girl’s heart? Well, if you ask Ashlea, the answer is probably to make them a cup of tea. I Kissed A Girl (IKAG) is officially back, and we’re officially obsessed with this cast. One of the OG members of the Masseria is self-confessed U-Hauler Ashlea, who is looking for an “Ibiza Final Boss” type of girl that she can go raving with.
Initially partnered up with Imogen, things seemed to be going well in the Masseria. That was until sparks began to fly between Ebony and Imogen. But when Ashlea’s best mate in the Masseria, Renee, confessed her feelings, maybe friendship is the first step to true love.
DIVA caught up with Ashlea to find out more about her experience on the show.
Why did you want to go on IKAG?
I’ll be honest, it was a midlife crisis type vibe. I’d broken up with my ex-girlfriend of five years. I thought, “What better place to find the love of my life than a reality show!”
What did you learn about yourself on the show?
I’ve always struggled with communicating and articulating myself. Whereas in there, all you do is talk about your emotions and how you’re feeling in various different moments. It was actually really refreshing for me to be able to articulate so much about how I was feeling. I learned that I can communicate really well.
Why is representation like IKAG so important?
It’s super important. We made history with this show. Growing up, I never saw myself on TV or could relate to someone like me. Our cast is so diverse, so everyone’s going to be able to see themselves or relate to one of us in at least one sort of way. Hopefully someone picks it up [the show] and it gets saved.
We’re obsessed with your style! Could you tell us a bit about your own personal style journey?
It’s all been a learning curve. When I was 16-18, I went through a very femme era. I was never really comfortable doing that. I’ve struggled with my weight as well, so there have been periods where I know how I wanted to dress, but I didn’t feel like it would hit because I’m a certain weight. I feel like you always know what you want to wear, it’s just being brave enough to actually wear the outfit and know it’s going to look sick!
What do you hope viewers take away from the show?
Just be yourself. Love yourself. What is meant to be for you will always find you.
Four new episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer on 23 June at 6 am, with episodes one and two airing on BBC Three on 23 June, and episodes three and four on 24 June from 9 pm. Following this, two brand-new episodes will be available every Tuesday at 6 am on iPlayer and 9 pm on BBC Three.
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