'Vote for our Angels of the North!' - Plea for public to get behind Lily and Joseph on BBC's The Greatest Dancer

Lily Straughan, from Sunderland, and Joseph Chow, of Boldon, Lily Straughan, from Sunderland, and Joseph Chow, of Boldon, will join 11 other acts to perform on BBC One’s The Greatest Dancer this weekend.

The reality programme searches for the best in the business, before the show’s dance captains choose three acts each to mentor, with a hope of them getting through to the final.

And the children, who train at The Worx – Dance Theatre Arts in Sunderland, were chosen by popstar Cheryl, of Girls Aloud fame, to become part of her team.

The hard work has never stopped for the dedicated dancers since then, who have been practising each night to perfect their routine.

Lily, 11, and Joseph, eight, first auditioned for the show in the summer.

Partnered together since April last year, the pair have become the best of friends and “two peas in a pod”.

Partnered together since April last year, the pair have become the best of friends and “two peas in a pod”.

Ahead of the big night, we spoke to both of their families about the journey so far – and what could come next.

Joseph’s mum Natasha Chow revealed her hopes for both her son and Lily to just enjoy what they love to do on Saturday – and added that everyone is so proud of their achievements already.

“They have worked their little socks off the dedication for eight and 11 is unbelievable,” she said.

“I just can't believe the work ethic they have, proud is just an understatement, how I feel as Joseph's mother.

“They have put their heart and soul into this competition.”

Lily’s mum Karen said the journey to the live shows has been “hectic” – Lily’s mum Karen said the journey to the live shows has been “hectic” – but that the young performers have taken everything in their stride.

“If everyone can get behind them, they are doing it for the North East,” she said.

“They are two lovely kids, and if you met them you’d know that what you see is what you get.”

Karen added: “There aren’t any words to say how proud we are.”

Teachers Keeran and Beth Greener, whose are co-principals of the High Street West studio, joined in the charge in rounding up voters for the young performers ahead of Saturday’s show.

They said: “We are bursting with pride at the moment.

They said: “We are bursting with pride at the moment.

“Words can’t explain how hard these little ones are working in rehearsals to make sure they can compete with the incredible acts in the final 12. They deserve the world and more.

“Please please please get behind your local talent and vote for our little Angels of the North. Vote Lily and Joseph!”

The youngsters’ first audition, which was broadcast on the first episode of the show’s second series on Saturday, January 4 brought dance captain Oti Mabuse to tears, while co-captain Todrick Hall told the studio audience that “he had chills” while watching them.

Watch Lily and Joseph on Saturday, February 1 from 6.30pm on BBC One.

Watch Lily and Joseph on Saturday, February 1 from 6.30pm on BBC One.