MEMBERS of a Cleethorpes dance school are backing former classmates Ella Henderson and Micky Parsons for X Factor success.
They might be competing against one another on the ITV talent show, but Ella, from Tetney, and Cleethorpes-born Micky used to perform together at the Clee Academy of Dance.
And teachers and youngsters from the school are doing everything they can to help soloist Ella, 16, and 18-year-old District3 singer Micky win.
Beverley Wade, who owns the school, said: "We're all so proud to have them both in the competition.
"Ella came to me when she was three and did jazz, tap and ballet. She took her exams and performed in local dance festivals, but singing was always her real passion.
"She was really hard working and got on well with everybody. She didn't have a bad bone in her body and never said a bad word about anybody.
"Michael started here when he was about ten and he always had a really cheeky smile and a great sense of humour. The girls loved him.
"He was primarily a singer but he came here so that he could add movement to his songs to help him in talent shows.
"We've all been putting up posters for them and voting every week, it's fantastic to see them both doing so well."
Amy Garnett and Ellen White, both 17 and from Cleethorpes, remember performing in shows with Ella and Micky.
Franklin College pupil Amy said: "We all used to be in the same talent shows together, so we'd be competing against each other but then do performances as a dance school too.
"Singing was always their main talent but they came to Clee Academy to improve their dance skills. They both had star quality and were always making everybody laugh because they were very funny.
"Ella always used to have amazing parties and she had one at the Oaklands Hotel where she sang Amazing Grace to her grandad; it was incredible."
Ellen, who attends Caistor Grammar, added: "I went to Humberston Cloverfields with Micky so we grew up together.
"All of the other girls at the dance school used to really fancy him, which I found hilarious.
"I had to hold his hand in a dance once and all the girls were really jealous!
"It must be so weird for them to both be together on a massive TV show like X Factor when they used to dance together here in Cleethorpes.
"We're 100 per cent behind them both and want them to go as far as possible in the competition.
"Whatever happens they're so talented that I'm sure they will have bright futures."
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