THEY were described as “incredible” by Britain’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell.
Now, a brother and sister from Basingstoke, who are through to the final of the ITV contest with dance act Addict Initiative, are preparing to put on a show-stopper for their Saturday night performance.
Ben and Joanne Davies, from South Ham, were declared runners-up with Addict Initiative in the second semi-final, behind teenage singer James Smith.
The siblings are now rehearsing all hours to put together an even better routine for the final, for the chance of winning a £250,000 prize fund and a slot on the Royal Variety Performance.
Ben, 25 (pictured below), a former Queen Mary’s College student, choreographs Addict Initiative’s act, which incorporates sinister storytelling in their fast-paced routines.
His 22-year-old sister (pictured below) is one of the dancers.
The live final on Saturday will be bitter-sweet for Ben and Joanne, because their parents Patrick and Deborah are unable to watch them in the audience.
Deborah (pictured below with Patrick) is due to undergo a last bout of chemotherapy for breast cancer on Friday, and will be too unwell to attend the show.
Ben said: “It’s so hard because my mum and dad have been so supportive and have never missed anything so it’s so hard for her not to be there. But they will be the proudest parents ever at home.
“It’s as if it was fate, it’s something for mum to watch every week and it’s really lifted her spirits.”
The former Aldworth School pupil, who dances professionally, said the team are rehearsing from 9am until 9pm every day, adding: “The final is going to be scarier, darker and bigger and it’s certainly going to be more energetic.”
See Thursday's Gazette to read the full interview with Ben, and watch the video below of Addict Initiative's semi-final performance.
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