A ROSS High School pupil has taken to the stage to dance alongside Strictly Come Dancing Star star Brendan Cole.

Bobby Duncan, from Tranent, performed at the Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh in the hit dance show ‘Showman’ where he danced to hits from musicals such as the Greatest Showman and La La Land.

The 12-year-old is a member of the MGA Academy Fierce Theatre School in Edinburgh, and has his eyes firmly set on stage.

“Whatever happens I know I want to be performing professionally,” he said, though he admitted to feeling a little nervous before his big performance.

He added: “I always get nervous, but at the Playhouse I was especially affected by its size.

“I think it’s a good thing to be nervous though – it just shows you care. It was a bit surreal.

“We had to walk out and turn on to the stage and at that moment I was just so taken aback. I watch shows at the Playhouse myself once or twice a year and so to be dancing on the same stage was incredible.”

This isn’t Bobby’s first time in the spotlight, having performed in The Wizard of Oz at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh, but dancing on stage with Brendan Cole was still extra special, especially for his family.

“I had my mum, nan and gran there watching me who are all absolute super fans of Strictly Come Dancing. They were so excited to see me and, of course, Brendan perform.”

Preparation for the show was intense, with Bobby and the rest of the dancers only having four weeks to learn all the choreography and the songs, and then they had only one technical rehearsal before performing in front of a live audience.

Louise Ferrier, principal of The MGA Academy’s school of part-time studies, said: “This was an incredible opportunity for our students. They are all in awe of Brendan Cole as they recognised him from Strictly. They were all very excited and were thrilled to have the chance to perform with renowned professionals in the largest theatre in the UK. We love offering our junior school students’ regular opportunities like this, as they respond so well, are an absolute credit to themselves and enjoy it so much. Experiences such as this one allows them to learn from the best in the business.”