Finalists prepare for Got To Dance live 2014 finale

Wednesday’s live semi-final of Got To Dance saw the public vote Unity Academy, Dan-I & Sia and Duplic8 through to the grand final which will be broadcast live from London’s Earl’s Court on tonight at 6.30pm.

The competition climax will also feature a celebratory performance from the reigning Got To Dance champion, Lukas McFarlane, and music from British pop band The Vamps, who will perform a medley of Can We Dance and Cecilia.

The mid-week semi-final saw Adam Garcia’s team go under the spotlight and he took to the stage himself for a toe-tapping, show stopping performance of his own. Joined by four backing dancers, Adam’s routine took a journey from Chicago through to James Bond and had his judging colleagues on their feet. First to qualify for the final were street dance group, Unity Academy, who put in an impressive theatrical routine that left mentor Adam “smiling like a joker”. He added, “we wanted to give something completely unexpected, you nailed it, I’m so proud of you.” Ashley Banjo commented: “This was going to be like Marmite – you’d either love it or hate it. You stepped outside of the Unity Academy box. I loved it to be honest”

Dan-I & Sia wowed a visibly moved crowd with an emotive contemporary performance to Sam Smith’s Stay With Me. Kimberly Wyatt told the duo “sometimes there is nothing better than a love story told through beautiful, exquisite dancing.” Comparing them to his own duo, Bitter Harvest, Ashley said “the way you guys portray your connection is very different but just as powerful. It was perfect.” Adam concluded “I don’t think I’ve met two dancers who are so truthful, I think you’re amazing.”

Duplic8 were the last act to qualify for the final of this year’s contest. Despite getting two red stars from judges, Kimberly and Ashley, earlier the public saved the two-some. Although Ashley Banjo was tough on Duplic8 he had no doubt they’d win through, telling them; “For a quarter of a million pounds, you can go harder than that. For tonight red, when you go forward I want you to come harder.” Adam Garcia shrugged off negative comments, supporting his act with, “these guys are entertainers. You’re fun and full of personality.”

The street and contemporary dancers will join fellow acts to qualify earlier in the week, namely: Dance Illusion, Boyband and Bitter Harvest (Ashley’s team) as well as Kaine (pictured top), IMD and Original Kidz (Kimberly’s team). All nine acts will now compete for the chance to win £250,000 and the Got To Dance championship crown.

Got To Dance Live Finale – Tonight at 6.30pm on Sky 1  and Sky 1 HD.