Rotherham's "little Billy Elliott" all set for Britain's Got Talent

Ten-year-old George bagged a spot in the show’s preliminary auditions after his teacher sang his praises to TV bosses.

George, of Lime Tree Crescent in Rawmarsh, has been dancing since he was six and doing gymnastics since he was three.

He started out in Parkgate, but now attends Dance Mania on Victoria Street, Mexborough.

The youngster began learning street dance, but has now turned his attention to ballet and contemporary styles.

Teacher Aneliese Machin has taught George for one year and already calls him “little Billy Elliot”.

She said: “He used to struggle with his confidence, but he’s starting to believe in himself now.

“When I tell him ‘George, you’re really good,’ he says ‘Am I?’

“We just want to show him off because he’s so amazing, but he doesn’t want it as much - he just wants to dance.

“He recently did his first ballet exams and got amazing results. He got ‘highly commended’, which is a 90 per cent mark.”

Aneliese sent an application form to BGT producers, describing George’s dancing prowess.

“He’s got huge potential, that’s why I sent the application form,” she said.

“I think that, if he wanted to make it in the West End, he definitely could. He picks things up so quickly.

“He’s also so polite and such a pleasure to teach.”

George’s mum Toni Dovey (38) said: “He’s been working really hard this past year.

“About 18 months ago he wouldn’t dance in front of anyone - not even me.

“Now he’s much more confident when he’s dancing, though he’s still a bit shy when he isn’t.”

George will also appear in Miracle on 34th Street: the Musical at Rotherham Civic Theatre in November.

The BGT audition will follow next year, at a date still to be announced.

Aneliese said: “I think he’ll be doing more of a modern or contemporary dance on the stage.

“For Britain’s Got Talent, we’ve already got modern dance and gymnastics routines worked out.”

George has already done a few public shows, but nothing as big as his upcoming appearances.

The Rawmarsh Sandhill School pupil said: “I like dancing so much that I’d like to make a living from it.

“The theatre audition was my first ever and I got picked from about 50 people.

“I’m not that nervous about that, but I’m quite nervous about Britain’s Got Talent.”

Toni added: “I think it’s really fabulous. I’m glad he has found something he really likes - and it keeps him fit and healthy.

“He had tried different sports and martial arts when I asked him to try ballet. He was a bit apprehensive at first, but now he really enjoys it.

“I think he could make a name for himself, if he really wants to - but that’s up to him.”