A disabled dancer has beaten thousands of toe-tapping hopefuls to reach the finals of a major television dance competition.

Luke Hollingsworth, 18, will compete against 16 others in BBC 3's Move Like Michael Jackson, which is being aired over Christmas.

The young dancer, who is almost completely deaf, will dance in front of Michael's brother Jermaine in London towards the end of November.

The winner of the televised dance-off will perform in front of millions of people at the Michael Jackson tribute concert at Wembley Stadium next June.

Luke, a performing arts student at Leicester College who lives in Eyres Monsell, said: "It's hard to put into words how I would feel about winning the competition – it would be the best thing to ever happen to me.

"I get asked all the time whether my disability is a problem, but I don't see it that way.

"I have hearing aids but I prefer to feel the vibrations of the music when I dance."

The idea of the show is to find a dancer who can impress the judges by creating their own iconic steps, rather than simply mimicking Michael.

Jackson Five legend Jermaine said: "Michael was a superb dancer who inspired people across the world to master his moves and create their own unique routines.

"I'm really excited and delighted to be part of this show and look forward to finding the UK's most talented and inspiring dancers."

Michael Jackson-mad Luke has scrapbooks, memorabilia and posters dedicated to the late Prince of Pop all over his bedroom.

His shelves are also littered with trophies and medals from his previous dance competition victories.

His mum Carol, 51, said: "At first I assumed I was like every mother when I thought that my son was the best, but as he got through all the stages to get to the final I started to realise that he might actually be gifted. When he's up on that stage he's like a different person – I'm so proud of him and everything he has achieved."

Michael Jackson's former choreographer Lavelle Smith Junior, who worked on the Bad, Dangerous and History tours, will be on hand to guide the young hot-steppers.

The last 16 will be whittled down to six – who will perform in a live final for the chance to be part of the tribute show in June. The dates for the shows have not been decided yet.

Luke started his performing career at the Braunstone Starts and Angels Singing Group at the age of 11. Barry Sawbridge runs the group and alerted Luke's mum to the auditions back in October.

He said: "When we did our last charity show everybody went mad when he came on because they know how good he is. I know how good he is and I know he can go all the way."

Luke was born with a hearing defect which means he has to wear a hearing aid on each ear.

His stepdad Ian Millington, 51, said: "He's come through so much with his learning difficulties and his hearing problem. It's amazing he can do what he does."