Local dancers through to Got to Dance telly final

Feb 10 2010 by Alison Rennie, Paisley Daily Express

TWO twinkle-toed dancers – one from Paisley and another from Renfrew – have waltzed their way into the national finals of a top television competition.

Eight-year-old Jay Carr and teenager Michelle Kelly, 15, are both in the final of big hit Sky1 show, Got to Dance.

The pair are members of the 13-strong dance act called The Box, who were voted through by the public on Sunday’s night’s semi-final.

And it will be a family affair for Jay as her older cousin, Emily Crow, 11, has already been voted into the final.

The six acts will battle it out for the top prize of £100,000 on Sunday’s live show, which is hosted by Davina McCall.

Michelle’s proud older sister Danielle, 19, was at the family home in Clarence Street, Paisley, watching the show while her mum Angela went down to London with Michelle.

Danielle said: “I thought they were brilliant, I was really happy for them that they got through.

“It was just me and my boyfriend Robert in the house but people kept phoning me. I had to put my phone off so I could watch the show!

“Me and Robert were going to go away for the weekend for Valentine’s Day anyway so now we’re going to try and go somewhere down in London so we can try and get into the show.

“Michelle was a nervous wreck beforehand but, at the same time, she couldn’t wait to get on the stage and dance.

“She’s been practising non-stop and has put a lot of time and dedication into it.

“Me and my mum are so proud of her.”

Danielle has been drumming up support for St Andrew’s Academy pupil Michelle from her work colleagues at Harry Corry at Braehead and fellow students at Cardonald College.

Renfrew girl Jay is also thrilled to get through to the final. Her mum Kim was with the St James’ Primary pupil in London and plans to go back down with her for the final.

Kim said: “We are absolutely thrilled, they blew everyone away with their performance.

“I think the mums were more nervous than they were!

“They’ve all turned into right little celebrities – they were signing autographs for the other acts and they’re going to be on the Angela and Friends show on Sky1 on Friday.

“They’re all high as kites, they’re just so excited and we’re all so proud of them.

“Tens of thousands of people auditioned for the show and we can’t believe they’ve got through.

“We’re really grateful for everyone who voted for them, they wouldn’t be in the final if it wasn’t for the public support.”

The Box were given three gold stars from the judges, West End star Adam Garcia, former Pussycat Doll Kimberley Watt and Ashley Banjo from Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity and a standing ovation from the audience after their ballet performance.

They are up against Emily Crow, Akai, MJ Latin, Matthew Koon and Jukebox Juniors in the final which is on Sunday at 6pm on Sky1.