The Greatest Dancer winner Ellie Ferguson has revealed she will split her prize money.
The first ever series of The Greatest Dancer, featuring dance captains Cheryl, Oti Mabuse and Matthew Morrison, concluded at the weekend.
It was Scottish 14-year-old contemporary solo dancer Ellie who won The Greatest Dancer, mentored by Oti. She beat contemporary dance duo James & Oliver (Team Matthew), contemporary dancers Harry & Eleiyah (Team Cheryl) and all girl Latin formation group KLA (Team Oti) in the final.
As winner, Ellie walked away with the prize of £50,000 and a spot performing on the Strictly Come Dancing live shows later this year, plus The Greatest Dancer trophy.
Following her victory, Ellie has revealed she will be giving half of her prize money to her choreographer.
“I’m going to give £25,000 to my choreographer. She deserves it for everything she has done to help me,” Ellie told The Sun.
Meanwhile, Ellie told the Daily Mail of her shock at winning the first ever series of the dance competition.
“I 100 percent did not think I was going to win it. It’s just all been such a special experience. And the chance to be on Strictly – that’s definitely the most exciting thing about this,” she said. “The support – like on social media – is overwhelming.
“And I don’t love being the centre of attention. I did this because I have a passion for dancing.”
Hosted by Alesha Dixon and Jordan Banjo, The Greatest Dancer has already been confirmed for a second series by the BBC, to air in 2020.
Kate Phillips, Controller BBC Entertainment, said: “We wanted a big joyful show that celebrated extraordinary and memorable dancers of all ages and from all backgrounds and that’s exactly what we got. Everyone worked so hard on the show and we can’t wait to go again and see who will manage to open our magnificent mirror!”
Nigel Hall, Global Head of Television for Syco Entertainment, added: “The Greatest Dancer is a joyous, uplifting and exciting show. We have loved making this first series.
“We are absolutely delighted the programme will return to screens on BBC One in 2020 – and are looking forward to continuing our working relationship with the BBC.”
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