Supporters of breakdancer JP Omari hope to harness the Sussex block vote as he bids for a place in the final of Strictly Dance Fever.

JP and partner Stacey Coleman will dance off against three other couples to reach the final of the hit BBC One Saturday night show this weekend.

If they get through, the show's producers are planning a roadshow which will involve a live performance somewhere on the seafront in Brighton, JP's home town, next Wednesday.

The 24-year-old untrained street dancer's girlfriend Vicky Bloor, 26, who shares a flat with JP in Park Crescent, Brighton, said: "I am confident they will get into the final but we need Sussex to get behind them and vote.

"If they do we want to get a massive turnout for the roadshow."

JP and Stacey are the only dancers left in the show without formal training and have been criticised by the judges.

Vicky, who works for South East Dance, added: "They have improved dramatically and the judges are warming to them.

"They have obviously captured the public imagination because they have been kept in the show despite being nominated for the boot almost every week.

"They are the only contestants left who represent what the show is all about so they deserve to win.

"Everyone else has had years of professional training."

Last weekend JP and Stacey dazzled the judges with their Lindyhop routine. JP told the show's website: "Ben Richards told us we pulled off that performance. To hear that meant everything. That's why we are here for the semis."

He confessed his parents were not happy when he decided not to take up an office job and pursue his love of dance, adding: "It's not nice to disappoint my parents and if I win the competition I'd make them proud of me.

"I'd love to show them that dance is not just a hobby but a career.

"We want to get to the final to prove people wrong, to make our families proud of us."

But Vicky revealed the gruelling show is taking its toll on JP.

She said: "He misses his life because he's shut away in the dance academy.

"He was a bit upset on the phone yesterday because he is tired. But he's okay, he's feeling positive and the end is in sight.

"Five of us are going up on Saturday to cheer him on."

She said JP was trying not to think of the £50,000 and professional dance contracts which will be awarded to the winners. She said: "He doesn't want to tempt fate but it's an amazing prize and it must be in the back of his mind.

"I miss him terribly. I've been to most of the shows but only been able to visit him privately once in eight weeks.

"Whatever happens, it has all been worth it."

More details of the Brighton seafront show will be announced by the BBC after Saturday's show if JP is successful.