See The Greatest Dancer judges and acts in rehearsals for first live show

Here’s a very first look at The Greatest Dancer live shows with a backstage glimpse of rehearsals.

The Greatest Dancer’s live challenge episodes begin at 7:30pm on BBC One tonight.

After four weeks of auditions the show goes live, as the final nine acts take to the stage for the Challenge Shows, competing to win £50,000, a chance to dance on Strictly Come Dancing and become The Greatest Dancer.

Every week, each of the dancers are set a challenge which they must tackle with their Dance Captain to create an unforgettable performance. For the first time the power is in the hands of the viewers at home, as they vote to decide who stays in the competition each week.

Alesha Dixon and Jordan Banjo will host as in the auditions, with Jordan revealing of the live shows: “They’ve each got a challenge every week. This challenge could be a prop they have to work with, it could be the theme of their routine, costumes, music, choreography, different things.

“It gets really difficult and it’s a huge challenge to meet every week.”

For the three Dance Captains Cheryl, Matthew Morrison and Oti Mabuse the pressure is really on as they each mentor their three chosen acts through the Live Challenge Shows.

And the dance captains themselves will take to the stage live tonight, dancing with the top 9 acts to open the show.

Cheryl’s squad is made up of all girl dance group Dan Bates Collective, duo Harry & Eleiyah and four piece street group Frobacks.

Matthew’s team includes commercial-contemporary fusion dance group Company Jinks, teenage dance duo James & Oliver and street crew Prospects Fraternity.

Finally, Oti selected Latin formation group KLA, 14-year-old contemporary solo dancer Ellie and drag act Globe Girls for her final three.

Meanwhile, together with the acts, there will be a special performance from singer Freya Ridings together with dance group Rambert.

“Exciting Live Challenge Show news! We’ve got an extra special collaboration performance from @FreyaRidings & @RambertDance #GreatestDancer,” tweeted the official Greatest Dancer account.

The Greatest Dancer tonight 7:30pm on BBC One