Strictly Jay: My secret years at dance school

Jay McGuinness and his Strictly Come Dancing partner Aliona Vilani

STRICTLY Come Dancing star Jay McGuinness has a secret to his success – years of training at dance school.

 

The 25-year-old boyband singer last week stood out from his fellow competitors when he won the first score of 10 of the season for his Pulp Fiction jive with his partner Aliona Vilani.

Last night they did the quickstep to My Generation by The Who. However, the judges were not the first to be impressed by his moves.

He studied at Charlotte Hamilton School of Dance in Newark, Nottinghamshire, from the age of 12. His dance teachers have described the teenage Jay’s talent and work ethic, while backing him to win the hit BBC One show.

Hamilton, who taught him between the ages of 12 and 16, said: “We’ve all been watching it at the school and are all really excited. I watched him last Saturday and thought he was amazing.

“He’s dedicated. He’s always worked hard and been very focused on his dancing.

 

“The Jay that you see on the television that looks genuinely shocked, that is the real Jay I know.

“We all have our fingers crossed that he takes part in the Strictly Come Dancing tour, as we’d all get tickets. I think he’ll win!”

Dance is such a hard craft to master but last week Jay was mind-blowing

Emma Clayton, Artistic director

The star is taking part in this year’s series alongside his fellow celebrities who include chef Ainsley Harriott, singer Peter Andre, journalist Jeremy Vine and soap actress Kelly Bright.

Bachelor Jay, from Newark, near Nottingham, found fame in 2010 but it was after years of training.

Following dance school, he studied musical theatre at the Midlands Academy of Dance in Nottingham for six years.

Artistic director Emma Clayton told how he was a grafter who is inspiring the next generation.

The heart-throb boyband member Jay McGuinness

 

Jay McGuinness with his Strictly partner Aliona Vilani

She said: “Jay came to us in 2006 and graduated in 2009. He started when he was 16 years old. It’s so exciting to see him on Strictly.

“Dance is such a hard craft to master but last week Jay was mind-blowing. Hearing the judges’ comments was fantastic.

“He’s giving out a wonderful message to all the boys out there that do performing arts. It has ignited their dreams and goals.”

Strictly Come Dancing: The Results, tonight, BBC One, 7.15pm