Sara Evans' Former Nanny Speaks Out About Affair Allegations  10/18/06

Country star and former Dancing With the Stars contestant Sara Evans' former nanny has gone public to distance herself from claims her alleged affair with the singer's husband sparked a messy divorce battle.

Evans filed for divorce from her husband of 13 years amid claims he had been unfaithful with the couple's nanny.

But now married nanny Alison Clinton has spoken out on US TV, insisting nothing inappropriate took place between her and Evans' estranged husband Craig Schelske - and an alleged affair did not lead to her quitting her job.

Speaking to news shows Extra and Entertainment Tonight, Clinton, who asked Evans to be Matron of Honor at her wedding, insists she left her job with the couple due to a struggle with anorexia and not because she was having a romance with Schelske.

She categorically denies an affair with Schelske, and reveals she only became aware of the allegations when supportive correspondence she sent to her old friend when she first heard of the divorce went unanswered.

Clinton tells the US news shows in an interview that aired last night (17OCT06) that she is willing to take a lie detector test to prove she never cheated on her own husband with Schelske.

She says, "I am crushed. I thought Sara was my friend. I have never been anything but loyal to her and her family. I cannot understand this, but now I am forced to clear my name in order to preserve the best possible future for me and my family."

In a statement, Schelske has praised the nanny for coming forward to clear her name and responding to his estranged wife's allegations.

He says, "I deeply appreciate the courageous decision of our friend and former employee Alison Clinton to step forward and tell the truth in the face of the cruel and false allegations leveled (sic) against her by Sara.

"No one should have to go through what Alison is being forced to endure, and she is in my prayers."