What to expect from Sunderland performers Lily and Joseph in The Greatest Dancer final this weekend

And now Sunderland’s own Lily and Joseph are preparing for the biggest challenge of their lives on this year’s The Greatest Dancer live final.

The show will hit screens on Saturday, March 7 from 6.30pm – and with just days left to wait, we’ve taken a look at what lies ahead for Joseph Chow, eight, and partner 11-year-old Lily Straughan on the big night.

First exploding onto TV screens in January with their first audition, the children – who train at The Worx – Dance Theatre Arts in Sunderland’s High Street West – have put in months of hard work to make it through to the final performance.

Chosen by dance captain and mentor Cheryl to be part of her squad, Lily and Joseph have knocked it out of the park each week with inventive and breathtaking choreography.

This Saturday’s final will see them take to the stage alongside the Girls Aloud star for a special duet, before facing a viewer vote to see if they will dance again.

Speaking as the build-up to Saturday’s grand final intensifies, singer Cheryl said she was focused on supporting the children through to the final and spoke of how “fearless” they have been in their hard work.

She added: “I’ve told them to be proud of themselves for getting this far, and to remember how hard they’ve worked.

“If you work hard the rest will happen on the dance floor!”

The Sunderland and South Tyneside communities have thrown their support behind Lily, of Fulwell and Joseph, from Boldon, as the competition moves forward.

Billboards wishing them luck have been spotted across the region, including at the Bridges shopping centre and near to the Tyne Tunnel.

Speaking to the Echo last week, the pair encouraged other young dancers to work hard and pursue their dreams – and said they hoped their journey would inspire others to stick in at what they love.

Lily and Joseph will be joined in the final by soloist Harrison, ballroom dancers Michael and Jowita and Dancepoint.