TWO talented youngsters from the North-East will dance live on TV after a successful audition for the BBC show The Greatest Dancer.

Lily Straughan, 11, and Joseph Chow, eight, who train at The Worx – Dance Theatre Arts in Sunderland, brought the judges to tears during their first audition, where they performed an emotional contemporary dance inspired by friendship.

Their routine saw dance captain Cheryl choose them as her act of the day, securing a place in the live shows which start on February 1.

The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor David Snowdon met with the duo to congratulate them and wish them good luck for the next stage of the competition.

He said: “It’s fantastic to see Lily and Joseph achieve success in a national competition. Cheryl loved what they did and the audience did too as they’ve already had so much support. I wish them all the best for the live shows and hope everyone in the North East can get behind them and vote.”

Lily, a Fulwell Junior School pupil, and Joseph, who attends St Matthew's in Jarrow, have danced together since last April.

Dance teacher and principal of The Worx, Keeran Greener, said: “We are so excited for Lily and Joseph to have made the final 12 in The Greatest Dancer. They are working very long hours and training in lots of different styles to make sure they are ready for the live shows. As teachers we are bursting with pride, it’s such an emotional journey for us to see their progression on the show.”