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​Inspiring Contestant Leaves Cheryl In Tears On ‘The Greatest Dancer’

Mark Cunliffe

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​Inspiring Contestant Leaves Cheryl In Tears On ‘The Greatest Dancer’

Featured Image Credit: BBC

The first episode of BBC's latest dance competition The Greatest Dancer aired on Saturday, and judge Cheryl was left in tears over an inspiring dancer who lives with Down's Syndrome.

Dancer Andrew took to the stage to perform a passionate freestyle to Justin Timberlake's 'Can't Stop The Feeling', and insisted he had 'dance syndrome' not Down's Syndrome.

At the end of his performance, Andrew was described as "incredible and inspiring" by Glee star Matthew Morrison and "an amazing showman" by Strictly's Oti Mabuse.

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However, Cheryl's reaction was the most emotional as she was left in tears at the 21-year-old's performance.

Cheryl was left emotional by the performance. (Credit: BBC)
Cheryl was left emotional by the performance. (Credit: BBC)

The popstar said: "I just feel really moved by the whole thing, that was amazing. To watch you - your excitement and to see how much you thrive in front of an audience - is such a special moment. You should be proud of yourself.

"You clearly need to be doing this more, it does something to your soul, you're in your element."

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Andrew arrived at the audition with his mum Donna, and he could hardly keep his feet still while sat in the waiting room.

His routine contained cartwheels and splits and was watched by a live audience behind a mirrored wall.

The audience vote for acts they like, and if a performer receives more than 75 per cent, the mirror slides back to reveal the auditorium and dance captains Cheryl, Matthew and Oti.

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Andrew's mum, Donna, spoke about Andrew's love of dancing, saying: "He fell in love with dancing because he is obsessed with Strictly.

Andrew said he has dance syndrome and not Down's Syndrome. (Credit: BBC)
Andrew said he has dance syndrome and not Down's Syndrome. (Credit: BBC)

"We've had years of recording every episode so he could recreate the moves, the facial expressions, everything. That's when his natural ability became apparent.

"We have no clue where his dancing talent came from because no one else in the family is a dancer or has his natural rhythm.

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"He has worked really hard to develop his talent and it's helped his confidence enormously - his self-esteem has ­rocketed."

Andrew also has a hearing impairment and wears hearing aids. (Credit: BBC)
Andrew also has a hearing impairment and wears hearing aids. (Credit: BBC)

Donna also revealed that Andrew was diagnosed with leukaemia aged two, and he contracted deadly blood infection septicaemia during chemotherapy.

She said: "Andrew wasn't expected to survive. The chemo damaged his heart, so he's on heart medication now. And, in November, he had a three-hour operation on his ears because he has a hearing impairment and wears hearing aids.

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"It makes his dancing even more special because he doesn't hear music like most of us do - he feels it.

"Andrew still has to have reconstructive surgery on his ears but, thankfully, the operation hasn't affected his balance, which was our big worry."

Topics: TV News, TV Entertainment

Mark Cunliffe
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