Dancing duo from Barrhead and Neilston go for glory in final of BBC TV talent show

Charlie Gardiner, from Barrhead, and Lauren High, of Neilston, have been dazzling judges on the BBC talent contest as part of energetic troupe Dancepoint.

The group reached the final four in the dance competition last weekend, with 92 per cent of the studio audience turning on their light in appreciation of their classic Hollywood routine set to the Judy Garland song Get Happy.

Dancepoint wowed judges with their semi-final routine

Now twinkled-toed duo Charlie and Lauren are hoping readers of the Barrhead News will get behind them tonight as they try to win a cash prize of £50,000 and the chance to perform on Strictly Come Dancing.

Lauren, a former pupil at St Luke’s High, in Barrhead, said: “I’m really happy and grateful to have made it through to the final.

“We have worked so hard but I didn’t think we could make it this far.

“Being on television has been an incredible experience and everyone is so supportive.”

Lauren High

Lauren, 18, started dancing when she was just three and has since starred in shows in the likes of Dublin and Paris, as well as performing for the King of Bahrain.

She joined Dancepoint three years ago and is currently studying at the Dancepoint College, in Glasgow.

“Since I started The Greatest Dancer, my older brother has messaged me about dancing,” added Lauren. “That’s the first time he’s ever done that.”

Charlie, 17, is also thrilled to have made it through to the final and hopes the experience will open up more opportunities for her.

“We’ve been working really hard for this and it has paid off,” said Charlie, who is a pupil at St Luke’s High. “We are now rehearsing 24/7 for Saturday’s show.

“It’s so exciting to meet dancers from all over the world and working with different choreographers.”

Charlie’s proud mum Sylvia added: “Charlie and the team are really excited and can’t believe they’ve made it to the final.

“We’re so pleased with the support the team have been getting and cannot thank St Luke’s High and the people of East Renfrewshire enough.”

Charlie Gardiner

Staff and pupils at St Luke’s High are publishing video messages on social media every day this week to wish Charlie and Lauren lots of luck as they go for glory.

Karen Hunter, depute headteacher at the school, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled for Lauren and Charlie, as dance has been their passion since first year and they are now living their dreams.

“The girls and their families have put a lot of time and effort into the show and it’s good to see they have been rewarded for it.

“Everyone here at the school is behind them and we hope people will pick up the phone for the dance troupe on Saturday.”

Readers can show their support for Charlie and Lauren by voting for them when the final episode of The Greatest Dancer is broadcast on BBC One this evening, starting at 6.30pm.