'Super dedicated': Ecstatic schoolgirl to compete at Strictly Kids

Jessica Connolly, a 10-year-old student at Our Lady of the Missions Primary in Thornliebank, was overjoyed to learn that she was one of just 20 kids selected to compete in the glamorous event.

The news was especially sweet for Jessica, as she was scheduled to take part last year until her partner unfortunately had to withdraw at the last moment.

Jessica practises a pose (Image: Supplied)

“She was ecstatic when she found out,” said Jessica’s mum Gemma. “Her big dream is to be on Strictly, so she’s very excited.

“She’s been dancing for about five years. It started off as a hobby, but she practises four days a week now, so she’s there practically all the time.”

Jessica, from Netherlee, was doubly happy when she found out that she’d been paired with her regular dance partner Jorgie McGowan, both of whom are students at the Warren Brown Sundance Academy in Paisley.

“As soon as Jessica knew she’d been selected, her first reaction was ‘who’s my partner going to be?’” mum Gemma said.

“She was delighted that it’s her wee pal Jorgie. They’re always practising together, so it’s a match made in heaven for the two of them.

“They did their first competition together in February this year in Falkirk, and they won 11 medals which they were very chuffed with.

“Jessica keeps asking ‘what kind of dance are we doing?’ Jorgie is quite acrobatic, so she wants to do something with lifts, and Jessica says ‘I’ll build up my strength so I can catch you!’”

Jessica, left, with dance partner and 'wee pal' Jorgie McGowan (Image: Supplied)

Gemma says that Jessica can be shy, but that dancing brings out another side of her.

“She’s quite a shy girl, quite introverted,” said Gemma. “But when she goes out on the dance floor and competes, she’s like a whole other person.

“If you met her face to face, you’d think she was quite reserved. But dance is the way she expresses herself.”

Jessica, right, and Jorgie with their instructor Warren Brown (Image: Supplied)

Jessica and Jorgie will now receive training from a professional instructor to help them devise a routine for the big day, which will take place at Doubletree by Hilton in Glasgow on October 6.

The event is just like the real Strictly, with judges, numbered paddles and a Glitterball Trophy for the winning pair. Gemma says the whole family will be there to cheer Jessica and Jorgie on.

As well as showcasing Scotland’s most talented young dancers, Strictly Kids also serves as a charitable fundraising event. Their chosen charity this year is The Miracle Foundation, a Motherwell-based organisation that supports families going through bereavement.

Jessica, who raised £300 for the cause last year despite not being able to take part, has set up a JustGiving page to help collect funds. Gemma says her daughter has been thinking of lots of different ways to fundraise, including selling homemade loom bands from a stall outside their house.

“Which means I’ve been sat at home making loom bands for the past couple of days,” joked mum Gemma.

Jessica’s fundraiser can be found at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jessica-connolly-strictlykids.

Jessica in her lovely green ballroom gown (Image: Supplied)

Warren and Dianne from the Sundance Academy, where Jessica and Jorgie are both enrolled, offered their warm support.

“In the two years that Jorgie and Jessica have been our students they have become a wee dynamic duo in the competitive scene, amassing many medals between them,” they said.

“They are super dedicated. We are so proud of them, and we always have such great fun with the ‘J&J sass.’

“I'm sure they will rock the Strictly Kids dancefloor and bring home that glitterball!”