Sunderland shows support for The Greatest Dancer duo Lily and Joseph ahead of live show appearance

The Wearside community has thrown its support behind young performers Lily Straughan and Joseph Chow after their incredible performance on BBC One’s The Greatest Dancer.
Debra Fox
By Debra Fox
Published 8th Jan 2020, 10:54 BST
Updated 9th Jan 2020, 14:27 BST
Lily and Joseph, left, and pictured with their teachers Keeran and Bethany, right.Lily and Joseph, left, and pictured with their teachers Keeran and Bethany, right.
Lily and Joseph, left, and pictured with their teachers Keeran and Bethany, right.

The pair, who train at The Worx – Dance Theatre Arts in Sunderland city centre, wowed TV audiences up and down the country when they appeared on the show on Saturday, January 4 – bringing dance captains Cheryl and Oti Mabuse to tears.

They performed an emotional and captivating routine, which secured them a place in the programme’s live shows. They launch on Saturday, February 1.

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Since The Greatest Dancer aired, support for Lily and Joseph has been building across Sunderland and beyond, with many hailing them as an amazing example of the talent the North East has to offer.

Lily, 10, has been dancing for three years while eight-year-old Joseph, of Boldon, started 18 months ago. The children have danced together since April 2019.

Dozens of messages were shared on the Sunderland Echo Facebook page wishing them the best of luck in the next stage of the competition.

Here is how you reacted on the Sunderland Echo Facebook page:

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Joanandjohn Allan: “You were both fantastic. Carry on lovelies.”

Alan N Diane Hutchinson: “Fantastic hope they go all the way through.”

Michelle Marshall: “Fantastic ... wish you kids all the luck.”

Amanda Youern: “Absolutely brilliant, Sunderland behind them all the way.”

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Dorothy Stockdale Webb: “Fantastic pair hope they do really well.”

Lily and Joseph brought the dance captains to tears on The Greatest Dancer. Picture: Alex Peace Photography.Lily and Joseph brought the dance captains to tears on The Greatest Dancer. Picture: Alex Peace Photography.
Lily and Joseph brought the dance captains to tears on The Greatest Dancer. Picture: Alex Peace Photography.

Janet Kendal: “Very talented, and seem like lovely kids. Their families must be so proud.”

Julie Donkin: “Showing what amazing talent the North East has, to Lily and Joseph we’re all supporting you.”

Steve Mann: “This is absolutely amazing! Multi-talented kids, fantastic dance academy and awesome for the region!”

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Sophie Bear: “What absolutely amazing dancers … and genuinely lovely kids, so proud of you.”

Joseph and Lily with their mums Natasha and Karen.Joseph and Lily with their mums Natasha and Karen.
Joseph and Lily with their mums Natasha and Karen.

Cheryl Frankland: “Wow. Fantastic, they are amazing Sunderland needs to get behind them.”

Allison Wilson: “Class and emotional well done both of you.”

Thelma Burnikell: “Well done, fantastic dancing.”

Catherine Parks: “Amazing. I cried when I seen them dancing you were brilliant.”

Kimberley Morrison: “So happy for them both they are amazing.”

Related topics:SunderlandBBC One