A SEMI-FINALIST on the BBC’s The Greatest Dancer show has thanked those in his hometown of Chirk for their support.

Iffan Roberts is part of the Brothers of Dance group who reached the semi-finals of the show, which will air live on BBC One this Saturday.

The group wowed judges and the live audience again last Saturday, finishing with the highest score on the night.

Looking back at his experience on the show so far, Iffan feels as though the hard work is paying off, and has enjoyed the experience of performing in front of a live audience.

“It’s been really fun so far and a lot of hard work, especially as a group,” he said.

“We’ve been having to work hard each day and perfect each challenge ahead of each weekend, but it’s been a very good experience and everyone’s been really nice.

“I’ve done some performing before the show, but more as a soloist. As a group it’s different, because you have to think about each other.

“And then, we all dance as a company and together, but you don’t really think too much about the crowd, the real crowd is through the camera, but because you can’t see them, you don’t think about it too much.

“In terms of the in-house audience, it’s not massive but it holds a few thousand, but when the lights come on, there’s more excitement and adrenaline rather than nerves.”

Brothers of Dance have been mentored by former Girls Aloud singer, Cheryl, whose advice has been vital in helping the group’s progress so far, says Iffan.

He said: “The show’s definitely helped me as a dancer by giving me an insight into the professional world; you get to see the behind the scenes and everyone else’s job as well.

“Working alongside Cheryl has been extremely helpful – she’s an extremely good dance captain, and not just for the dancing, but for life too.

“She’s taught us loads and she’s helped us with everything from the dancing itself to costumes and spacing; she’s been really hands on which is fantastic.”

With their semi-final performance just a matter of days away, Iffan and his dance group will be hoping to book themselves a spot in the live final, which will take place the following week.

He added: “We definitely believed in ourselves, because dancing with those boys is amazing.

“Dancing together gives us so much confidence, but now we’re in the semi-finals, it’s like, ‘wow’.

“It’s gone really quick from the first live show up until now.

“Knowing the final is one dance away is unbelievable, but we know we’ve got to work really hard to hopefully get through.

“For all of us, to get to the final would mean everything because of all the hard work, not just during the process of The Greatest Dancer, but before that as well.

“I think it would be the biggest thing for all of us since we’ve been dancing, definitely for me anyway.

“It will just be a huge feeling of relief. Having the chance to compete in the final and potentially win would do so much for all of us.”

The Chirk-born dancer has thanked people from his hometown for their continued support.

“It means everything; so many people from school and my family and family friends have come together and offered their support,” he said.

“Obviously my mum and dad as well have been fantastic. It means a lot, people I haven’t spoken to in a long time have been reaching out so it’s been really nice to connect with them again.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for their support.”