FORMER Corsham schoolboy Joe Sugg is inspiring dancers across the county following his success on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Joe, 28, from Lacock, initially assumed he would be the joke act in this year’s show but he has quickly turned expectations on their head.

Together with his dancing partner, flame-haired Dianne Buswell, he has confounded predictions and has even been tipped by former Strictly star Kristina Rihanoff to win the competition.

On Sunday the YouTube star and former thatcher came through the latest round of the dance contest in Blackpool performing a stylish quickstep, earning a standing ovation from the audience.

The performance was witnessed by his nan Phyllis, who once danced herself at the celebrated venue. Joe said he was delighted by the reaction of the judges and the audience and wrote on Twitter that the quickstep had been his favourite dance so far.

Emma Trickett, who runs Miss Emma’s Dancing Strictly classes in the Chippenham area, said: “Joe has been wonderful for dancing - we always get new people joining classes in the Strictly season. Ballroom dancing is elegant, athletic and technical - a real skill to be proud of - and Strictly manages to celebrate that while emphasising the fun and friendships that go hand in hand with learning partner dancing.

“It is especially encouraging to beginners when they watch celebrities with no prior dance experience develop into lovely dancers - and Joe Sugg is one of them. As a Wiltshire based dance school we’re all behind him and my students have told me that if he ever fancies dancing a Waltz or Quickstep with them he would be more than welcome to come along anytime.”

Corsham School assistant head Bob Staten said: is equally proud of the blogger and YouTube star turned dancer. Theysaid: “The school is delighted that Joe is doing so well in Strictly and we are all following his achievements closely. His latest dance each week is the talk of the staffroom and the playgrounds alike. His achievements while he was here were fantastic but he showed no interest or skill in dancing particularly - this makes it all the more amazing to see.”

He and Dianna came to perform for us in a special assembly a few weeks ago and the footage was shown as part of the show. Our students were beside themselves with excitement and so proud that Corsham School appeared on Saturday night TV. We all enjoyed having the BBC here for the day - made us feel very special

Corsham School is very proud of both Joe and his sister Zoella as , whatever, we think of the idea of ‘You Tube celebrities they show what can be done with hard work and dedication.

He has promised to come back later in the year to meet the students who missed him when he came last month - we will hold him to this!

Bob Staten

Assistant Headteacher