Dancer Dharmesh Patel has promised to pull out all the stops when he goes for glory in a TV talent show.

The 24-year-old, of Evington, Leicester, is competing in hit Sky1 show Got To Dance, hosted by Davina McCall.

He will be counting on support from his home city when he performs in the semi-final, filmed live at Pinewood Studios on Sunday evening.

Dharmesh, who performs under the name Dharmz, saw off competition from more than 3,000 hopefuls to make the final 30.

This weekend's show will see him try to win over the TV audience with his unique blend of hip hop and tap dance, with viewers voting to decide who goes through.

For his semi-final routine, Dharmesh, plans to execute one of his most difficult moves yet – a back-flip into a back tuck into box splits.

Watch Dharmz perform in front of the judges for the first time

Speaking during a break in rehearsals yesterday, he said: "It's quite a tricky combo, especially in tap shoes but I'm going to give it all I've got."

Dharmesh began dancing at the tender age of eight, when his mum, Gita, took him to Happy Feet dance classes in Leicester city centre.

His talent was spotted early on and, after attending the City of Leicester School, in Evington, he won a scholarship to study at the Doreen Bird Performing Arts College, in Kent.

After training in tap, jazz, ballet and modern dance, he turned professional five years ago. Having performed with the English National Opera, English National Ballet and at the Royal Opera House, he also dances with a group, Plague, who are the reigning world hip hop champions.

"It's great dancing in the group but I wanted to try and carve a name for myself as a solo performer, too," he said.

His performances on the show have been praised by the judges, West End performer Adam Garcia, singer and dancer Kimberly Wyatt and choreographer Ashley Banjo.

As he prepares for Sunday's test, which will be shown at 6pm, Dharmesh admitted to feeling the pressure.

He said: "I've been working ridiculously hard, without much sleep or rest, to prepare for this chance."

He won't be short of support on Sunday night. "Since the show I've been back in touch with many of my old friends from Leicester," he said. "They're all behind me and I want to do it for them, too."

Mum Gita said: "I'm so proud of him."