TV chance for Ellie
An “incredible” young dancer has made it to the final of BBC show The Greatest Dancer.
Viewers can watch Ellie Fergusson, from Livingston, give it her all on Saturday night in the hope of winning the competition.
And if she succeeds she’ll take away a £50,000 prize and the chance to strut her stuff on Strictly Come Dancing.
Ellie’s teachers say she was always destined for success thanks to her hard work and dedication and the youngster said she’s delighted to have reached the final.
Livingston’s Ellie Fergusson is just one step away from being named The Greatest Dancer.
The teenager is through to the final of the BBC competition and winning it brings a £ 50,000 prize and an appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.
Ellie, who is the only solo dancer left in the competition, said she does not mind her captain Oti Mabuse being a hard taskmaster because it helped her get to the final.
The 14-year-old dancer went into last week’s semi-final as favourite after getting the highest score from the audience in the previous episode.
She will now compete against three other acts in the final this weekend.
Ellie said: “I am used to being taught to the best of my ability from all of my dance teachers at Edinburgh Dance Academy but Oti is tough.
“I know she’s just trying to get the best out of me.”
After last week’s show Oti, a Strictly pro dancer, wrote on Twitter about Ellie: “This brave little girl completes me, fills my soul and inspires me. You’re breathtaking every time you step on that stage”.
Ellie said: “It makes me very happy seeing Oti post about me, especially as she said I’m inspiring to her, which is insane as she’s inspiring to me.”
Oti’s team also includes child dancers KLA, while Cheryl Tweedy and Matthew Morrison have one act each in the final.
Ellie said: “It’s been so upsetting seeing everyone go. Since day one everyone made sure I was included and wasn’t left on my own.
“I have made so many new friends in the competition and they have been so supportive and reassuring.”
As well as having her family at the final show to support her, Ellie’s choreographer Jenni Inglis will be close by.
Ellie said: “Jenni is always with me before I go on stage and she always knows what to say to calm my nerves.”
Throughout the show the teenager’s dances have captivated viewers, with many on social media likening her to Maddie Ziegler (16) who found fame on TV series Dance Moms and performed in videos for singer Sia’s songs ‘Chandelier’ and ‘Elastic Hearts’.
Ellie said: “I wouldn’t ever say I’m even comparable with Maddie. I think she’s insanely talented and would love to meet her one day.”
Ellie, who is juggling revising for her Nat 5 exams with performing in one of the biggest shows on British telly, hopes people will keep voting for her to get her into the final.
She added: “Everyone has been so supportive with all their messages and posts. I love representing Scotland. It felt amazing to get the highest score recently. I didn’t expect it at all. I didn’t even expect to make it to the live shows.
Suzie Galloway of the Edinburgh Dance Academy, which Ellie attends, said the schoolgirl “combines a tremendous work ethic and enthusiasm with her innate ability to dance”.
She continued: “She has worked very hard with both of our artistic directors for a number of years to get to the incredible level she has reached.
“Despite all of the attention she is getting through performing and reaching the final of The Greatest Dancer, she is a level- headed teenager who is very kind and supportive to all around her.
“She is a much loved member of our EDA family.”
The Greatest Dancer final is on BBC1 on Saturday at 7.35pm.