Glasgow's nightlife in the early 1980s was still flying the flag for disco, bell bottoms and oversized lapels, and it was outside the local club in Shettleston where Ashley's parents met for the first time, starting the story that led to an unexpected marriage and a family feud that was never resolved.
As a self-identifying 'save the marriage' baby, Ashley grew up in a pub in the Calton area of Glasgow, performing songs and putting on shows for the drinkers on a Saturday afternoon. Her love for the spotlight often interrupted fights, and eventually led to her first job in showbiz; dramatic overacting will get you anywhere.
The family have moved home, and Ashley is sworn to secrecy to avoid any repercussions, "the cat is fine, thank you" is the party line. She and her parents are starting all over again on the other side of the city, where Ashley diagnoses her father's problems and inherits a surrogate father, the Captain of the SS Enterprise.
Ashley's obsession for films and musicals serves her well as she enters the workforce, leading thousands of children in song and blonde wigs. Her neuro-diversity diagnosis is welcomed and, just like her father, understanding her place on the spectrum opens up new horizons.