By Paul Robinson
TWINKLE-TOED Sadie Flower was given a hero's welcome as the Strictly Dance Fever roadshow waltzed into her home city of Leeds.
Sadie and her fellow finalists from the hit BBC1 programme were greeted by hundreds of well-wishers at the White Rose Shopping Centre during a tour of the country yesterday.
The six contestants, who were accompanied by host Graham Norton, showed off their dancing skills to wild applause from the crowd.
But it was 19-year-old Sadie who drew the biggest cheers of the day from Yorkshire fans desperate to see one of their own triumph in this weekend's grand final.
Blown away
Speaking afterwards, she confessed she had been "blown away" by the reception.
Sadie, from Methley, said: "It's just amazing – never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it would be like this."
Yesterday afternoon's extravaganza was held in the White Rose's car park, a far cry from the glitzy ballroom the contestants normally strut their stuff in.
But the unlikely location did nothing to deflate the spirits of the assembled Tykes, many of whom clutched homemade banners and posters as they waited for their favourites in the bright sunshine.
And when the Strictly Dance Fever coach finally arrived just after 2pm, it was greeted by the sort of screams normally reserved for chart-topping boy bands.
Sadie and her competition partner Joseph Hall proceeded to wow the audience with a lindy hop and their trademark performance of Dirty Dancing theme I've Had The Time Of My Life. They also joined their two rival couples for a group flamenco and 60s medley.
A combination of judges' scores and the public's votes will decide which pair walk away from Saturday's final with the £50,000 first prize.
Backstage, Graham Norton revealed to the YEP that he might also be taking to the floor.
He went on: "The reception here has been just fabulous - it's been mad all day."
• The Strictly Dance Fever final goes out on BBC1 on Saturday at 6pm. To vote for Sadie and Joseph, ring 0901 121 4002 or text "Vote 2" to 63633.
Calls cost 25p with at least 12p going to Comic Relief.
Texts are 25p plus standard message rate, with 11p going to Comic Relief.
paul.robinsons@ypn.co.uk