A SOUTH Essex lad is set to dance his way into the nation's hearts when he appears on a popular prime-time television programme next month.

Tommy Sheen, 11, of Tamarisk Road, Benfleet, will appear with his dance partner, Ellie Smith, ten, and perform a number on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing programme on December 10.

The news comes after the pair were crowned British Ballroom and Latin juvenile champions at the British National Dance Festival in Blackpool.

Tommy, a pupil at St Thomas More School, Westcliff, and Ellie, from Margate, beat off the challenge of 14 other finalists to win in both categories at the event held at Winter Gardens in the Lancashire resort.

Published Friday, November 25, 2005