Croydon pair have Got To Dance (From Croydon Guardian)

Norbury dance pair prepare for reality TV semi-final performance

1:50pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in News By Nick Hitchens

A dance pair who found love through their work will compete on live TV for a chance to win a life-changing £250,000.

Lindsey Muckle and Ryan Hammond, professional dancers from Norbury, are set to perform in the semi-finals of Sky TV’s Got to Dance on Sunday February 26.

British Latin Showdance champions for the past three years, Miss Muckle, who is originally from the north east of England, and Mr Hammond from South Africa have staked the past seven months on winning the title.

Miss Muckle, 26, said: "As a professional dancer it is extremely hard, you are asked to perform in shows but there is no steady income. I can tell you now to win would be life-changing. You have to virtually live out of a suitcase. I would use it to help my family, who have been so supportive, and maybe set up our own dance school."

Paired together in 2004 while training in Semley Studio in Norbury the two fell in love and have formed a successful partnership despite the stress of working and living together.

She said; "It can be hard, we row a lot and when you get home you are still talking business.

Mr Hammond, 33, said: "I think Lindsey dances better when she is angry, so sometimes I start an argument on purpose."

Pitted against all styles of dance, from full troupes, tap dancers street partnerships, the pair have added a faster pace to much of their routine and added risky moves to impress the crowd.

Miss Muckle said: "It is something completely new for us and we have had to adjust. We have more lift and high risk manoeuvres which will hopefully make the difference.

Got to Dance airs live on Sunday February 26 on Sky One at 6pm.

The final will be held at Kensington Olympia on March 4.