Fame hopefuls threatened with the boot

Fame Academy hopefuls Nigel, Pippa and Ashley were in tears today as they found they were at the mercy of the public and threatened with expulsion from the BBC show.

The music wannabes were ranked bottom of the class by staff and put on probation – which means viewers and fellow students will choose who gets the boot.

Nigel Wilson, the oldest at the academy at 31, has already walked out of a dance class because he was finding it tough going.

Ashley House, 27, has similarly struggled with his moves and Pippa Fulton, 20, has been warned by teachers that they do not feel she is giving it her best shot.

Viewers saw the students put through their paces on Friday night when the show launched on BBC1 and they entered their new €55.8m home.

Head teacher Richard Park and his team decided at a meeting this morning the trio were the worst performers after putting them through a series of rigorous classes.

He told the students today: “Nigel is a nice guy but he knows that the last couple of days have been a struggle and that he needs to reveal that extra something.

“Does he have the special quality it takes to be a star? Pippa hasn’t quite got there in terms of finding her voice and we think she lacks confidence. We need to find some gears, Pippa.

“And Ashley again has a problem with confidence and also a lack of energy. In the academy you need that extra energy which may be stopping one of two of his finer moments coming through.”

All three took the news badly and welled up with emotion – Nigel holding his hands and heading off to the bathroom alone, while the others were counselled by fellow students.

At stake is a recording deal and a year of luxury living.

Marli Buck, 27, is favourite to win the prize and academy staff ranked her top of the class today.

She will be able to choose another student to duet with on Friday’s live show and given an unnamed treat later in the week.

Viewers and students will choose who goes after watching Nigel sing In The Midnight Hour, Pippa perform I’m Like A Bird and Ashley do I Can See Clearly Now during the Friday programme.

Whoever loses will be the first expulsion.