A Rhos-on-Sea dance teacher and his collective have made it through to the semi-final of hit BBC show The Greatest Dancer.

Choreographer Dane Bates has led the Danes Bates Collective to the semi-final of the show, which is hosted by Cheryl, Matthew Morrison and Oti Mabuse, after what was a tough week for the Rhos-on-Sea man.

Bates' Nain, Theresa Lee also from Rhos-on-Sea, died on February 5 before the collective's performance which shook him and the collective a little bit.

However the group pulled together and put in a performance in memory of the the late Mrs Lee which earned them a place in the semi-final.

Bates' sister Stacey, speaking to the Pioneer, said: "After such a tough week it was a pure joy to see them go through. Our hearts are broken, but to see this gave us all a little boost.

"Not many people get to experience such a high during such sad times, so we are beyond grateful and ever so proud of Dane and the girls.

"Nainy doted on Dane and he adored her. We just know she will be beaming with pride up in the heavens."

Wirral Globe:

Dane Bates with his Nain, Theresa Lee

The company performed on Saturday night, given the challenge of a "Hollywood" theme.

They focused on the dark side of Marilyn Monroe, who Ms Bates said was a personal favourite of Mrs Lee's.

Prior to the show the Dane Bates collective posted on social media and said: “Tonight we dance for Theresa Lee. Dane Bates’ Grandmother. Who sadly left us this week...shine like angel you are.”

Ms Bates said her brother had been emotional behind the scenes as the girls performed. But had managed to pull himself together for the live show.

Wirral Globe:

The Dane Bates Collective in action on BBC's The Greatest Dancer. Picture: BBC

She said: "Dane had found the week challenging, whilst trying to process the loss of his precious “Nainy”.

"But managed to pull it together for the live show and had me with him for support.

"He was extremely proud of the girls for their powerful performance and said he couldn’t have asked for more off them.

"We were ecstatic to see them get a space in the semi final, along with all their family at home."

See The Danes Bate's Collective's Hollywood performance. Video: YouTube/BBC

Mr Bates added: "We are thoroughly enjoying the experience and are nothing but grateful for every week we have in this competition.

"I am just blown away by the support. We are so thankful to every one who has voted for us. It really means the world to us all.

"I couldn’t be more pleased with the girls for the amount of hard work and dedication they have put into this competition.

"They have a beautiful way of making it look easy but it is extremely hard. I’m like a proud dance dad.

"This experience, so far, has been rewarding for us all. To be in the semi final is a dream come true for every one of us.

"Next week is going to be a special one."

The Dane Bates Collective will dance for a place in the Final of The Greatest Dancer on Saturday Night.

You can vote for the collective here.