A TEENAGER has thanked his family and friends after dancing his way to the final of a TV talent contest.
Tom Hughes-Lloyd, 14, from Rhos, appeared as the opening act on the live semi-finals of Sky 1 series Got To Dance.
Six acts battled it out for the top spot on the night.
After a blistering performance, the show’s judges revealed Tom had made it to the final, much to the delight of his friends and family who travelled down to support him.
Following his triumph, Tom, a pupil at Ysgol y Grango in Rhos, told the Leader: “I got really good comments from the judges, I put in more tricks and more moves, but I just didn’t expect to go through. I cried when I found out.
“I was really pleased for Lukas McFarlane who also got through, I’ve made good friends with him on the show.”
Supporting Tom in London were his mum Dawn, dad Andrew and older sister Carlie.
He said: “They were all cheering and hugging me.
“I’ve had great support from people back home.
“My friends were leaving me good luck messages on Facebook and my friend Chloe bought me a balloon and teddy.
“I think I’ll get a bit of attention when I go back to school, but I don’t think it’ll be that different.”
Tom learned to dance by spending hours at home practising his moves and looking for tips on YouTube.
Rave reviews from the judges, including Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt, JLS star Aston Merrygold and Ashley Banjo, leader of dance troupe Diversity, put the youngster just one step away from the show’s top prize of £250,000.
Ashley Banjo, who gave Tom a standing ovation, said: “Tom, the reason I’m standing up is that I’m so proud of you.
“You’ve gone from your bedroom to the stage with not one dance lesson.
“You’ve been your own teacher and yet you are better than most adults.”
Tom said he’ll be putting in even more practice to try and win the final, which will be broadcast live on March 17.
He said: “I’ll be practising as much as I can and putting in a few more moves and tricks in.
“I did a routine for the semi-finals, but for the final I’m planning to do a freestyle.”