DANCE STAR’S LOCAL LINK
Family backing famous relative on US TV show
While Strictly Come Dancing’s delayed return to TV screens has had fans tapping their feet in frustration, one Burnside man has been far more interested in events on the show’s US equivalent, Dancing With The Stars.
For the last six weeks, Victor Cintron, 45, has been cheering on his cousin, Hollywood actress Justina Machado, as she struts her stuff on the hit show.
Justina, known to her family as Tina, has starred in shows such as Six Feet Under, ER, Desperate Housewives and hit comedy One Day At A Time, as well as gracing the big screen.
Last month she pulled on her dancing shoes and shimmied in sequins to join fellow actors Anne Heche and Jesse Metcalfe – as well as controversial big cat activist Carole Baskin – on the popular reality show.
She has wowed the judges with her moves so far and proved a hit with audiences as she twirled her way through the first six weeks.
Proud cousin Victor grew up in New York City and spent childhood holidays visiting Tina and her family in Chicago.
And when she started hitting the big time she stayed with him and his family while treading the boards in Manhattan.
Victor, who moved to Scotland 18 years ago and lives in Burnside, with wife Lynne and daughters Evie and Ava is delighted his big cousin is proving such a hit on the dance floor and is making the family proud.
He said: “We are all so proud of her and she is doing really well.
“Here we watch her performances online every week and the family in the States are all going crazy voting for her.
“Growing up, she always wanted to be an actress. She’s so talented and it’s great to see her doing well.
“She’s established herself as an actress, but who knew she was such a good dancer.
“She’s doing great and is receiving really positive comments from the judges
– and she looks like she’s having a lot of fun.”
During the first few weeks of the show, Tina has mastered the Cha Cha, Salsa and Foxtrot, with partner Sasha Farber.
On Monday night the pair impressed judges, including Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli, and were in a fourway tie for top spot after wowing with their Viennese waltz to Billy Joel’s Always a Woman.
Victor added: “It was great to see Tina impress again. It would be amazing to see her go all the way to the final.
“We are all cheering her on here and over in America the family are making sure to keep her in it, so let’s hope she can go all the way.”
We’re cheering for Tina here and in the States and hope she makes it to the final