A SPRIGHTLY pensioner is to strut his stuff on the Sky1 talent show Got To Dance.
While most people of his age enjoy a quiet time in their twilight years, Edward Clarke has been showcasing his moves on the stage with his troupe, Eddie’s Angels.
The 96-year-old, from Wrexham, sparked national interest last year after the Leader reported that he was a fan of the latest dance-exercise sensation, Zumba.
Edward is the only male member of his over-50s Zumba group and the 20-or-so women in the class are happy to appear as his backing dancers.
He said: “A lot of people think because you’re old you can’t dance, you’ve gone loopy but none of it is true.
“I love to dance because it keeps my mind going.”
Edward attends a Zumba class in Wrexham as well as a dancing class in Llangollen, where Eddie’s Angels was formed.
Edward and his angels, whose ages range from 44-81, auditioned in Manchester before travelling to London to film for the show.
A Sky1 spokesman said: “Every Monday morning they get together and spend an hour dancing and keeping fit.
“The whole group looks forward to their Monday morning class, especially those who are on their own and have lonely weekends.
“Eddie loves being around all the ladies and is a real charmer.
“He has been dancing since he was nine. He only started because he thought it would help get the ladies.
“One thing the group do struggle with is getting more men to attend their group.
“They hope Eddie will be a shining example and that Got to Dance will give them more exposure.”
The fourth series of Got to Dance returned to television screens on January 6 with a brand new judging line-up, including JLS star Aston Merrygold and Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt.
The show, hosted by Davina McCall, is searching for Britain and Ireland’s best new dance act, who will win a prize of £250,000.
Eddie’s Angels is not the only Wrexham dance act to feature on the show.
Tom Lloyd, 14, a pupil at Ysgol y Grango in Rhos, is through to the final 100 after his moves earned three gold stars from the judges on a previous show.
Self-taught street dancer Tom, who has been honing his skills at home for the past three years, is now waiting to hear if he makes the final 30.
- Find out how Eddie’s Angels get on at their audition by watching Got To Dance on Sky1 on Sunday at 6pm.