Leslie Ash's sister faces losing homes

The sister of TV actress Leslie Ash risks being made homeless today by one of Britain's top public schools in a row over unpaid fees.

Former Hot Gossip dancer Debbie Ash owes £9,000 to Millfield School, which will seek permission from a county court judge to sell two properties to clear the debt.

Ms Ash, 47, was forced to take her daughter Holly, now 14, out of the co-educational Somerset boarding school six years ago after splitting from Holly's father and quitting her job as a personal fitness coach.

Ms Ash failed to meet the latest ?200-a-month instalment. The school had earlier secured an order to sell her two homes if payment lapsed.

Ms Ash lives in a £120,000 flat with her other daughter, Candii, 21. Her second property, also in Hastings, East Sussex, is home to estranged husband Peter Aboro, with whom she is involved in a divorce.

Last night she said she had already paid the school almost £5,000 but admitted £9,000 was outstanding.

"When I separated from her father - we were not married - he refused to continue paying fees and my maintenance stopped. For a time, I was unable to work, so couldn't pay what I have always accepted is genuinely owed."

She accused Millfield of " bullying" her in the middle of a divorce, but said: "I hope the judge will see the sense of putting everything on ice until after the divorce proceedings. They will get their money, I promise, once my affairs are sorted out."