Dean sets his sights on TV talent show final

A NEWTOWNABBEY teenager will be among a group of singers and dancers aiming to reach the final of the Channel 5 talent show 'Don't Stop Believing' this weekend.

Dean McCullough (18), a former pupil of Glengormley High School, is part of a Belfast-based group of young performers who are battling for a place in the grand final of the show, which is fronted by former Spice Girl Emma Bunton.

Dean, who left school last year, is from New Mossley but currently lives in Epsom in Surrey while studying at Laine Theatre Arts in London.

He and his fellow performers from Music Theatre 4 Youth (MT4UTH) appeared in the live heats of the popular show on Sunday evening, singing and dancing to 'Feeling Good' by British rock band Muse.

And although their performance went down well with most of the judges, the studio audience, and the viewing public, they just failed to secure the top spot and an automatic place in the show's final.

"It went brilliantly. We came second on the night, so we will have to perform again this week in order to compete for a place in the final," Dean told the Times.

"We will be doing the same piece this week, but we'll just have to give it 110 per cent this time to make sure we win over all the judges. We had a lot of support from the public last weekend, but this time it's all down to the judges. They'll decide who makes it through to the final," he explained.

Judges on the show include popstar Anastasia, actress Tamzin Outhwaite and former boy band member Duncan James.

The 'Wild Card Playoff' for a place in the grand final will be decided on this Sunday's show (August 15), which will air on Channel 5 at 6.25pm.