Team Lily and Joseph look to next performance after whirlwind weekend on The Greatest Dancer

The talented pair wowed TV audiences, dance captains and viewers at home over the weekend with their seaside-themed routine.

But the hard work is far from over as 11-year-old Lily from Sunderland and partner Joseph, eight, from Boldon, return to the studio to put in some hours for this Saturday’s programme.

The youngsters were chosen by captain Cheryl over the summer to compete in The Greatest Dancer’s live shows.

Now, their families and teachers have spoken of their pride after an incredible first live performance, with the journey feeling like an unbelievable dream for the whole camp.

Lily and Joseph train at The Worx – Dance Theatre Arts in Sunderland.

Co-principals Keeran and Beth Greener have been working hard to get the dancers competition ready – and their dedication has paid off already.

Keeran said: “We are so so grateful and overwhelmed at the incredible support they’ve had.

“It was the most exciting and nerve-wracking experience of our lives but we are bursting with pride and can’t wait to do it all again this weekend!”

Since the children’s first appearance on The Greatest Dancer on Saturday, January 4 the region has come alive with support for the pair and their talent.

The lead-up to last Saturday’s show saw signs of support pop up across the North East including on the region’s roads at the Bridges shopping centre in Sunderland and across social media.

Lily’s mum Karen McCormick has thanked the public for voting for her daughter and Joseph.

“They are having the time of their lives they can’t believe how much everyone has got behind them,” she said.

“Saturday was the most surreal moment of my life.”

Joseph’s mum Natasha added that they are “overwhelmed” with the support so far.

She said: “Our little Angels of the North certainly did us proud, they are working so hard – the dedication for such young kids makes me burst with pride.

“They’re having an amazing time with all of the other acts they have made friends for life they are honestly like one big family.”

Joseph, who became partners with Lily last April, had tears in his ears as the pair received fantastic feedback for the routine, with Geordie singer Cheryl taking to the stage to comfort him telling audiences "these are my other two children”.

The eight-year-old started dancing at The Worx alongside his sisters and was “in awe” of Lily, who has danced for three years, when he began his classes.

Natasha added: “When I see how happy my son is doing what he loves, it makes me the happiest mam on the planet.”

The Greatest Dancer will return on Saturday, February 8 with the remaining 10 finalist acts taking on a brand-new routine surrounding a certain theme.

Two more acts are expected to be eliminated as the competition races towards the final.