The father of South Yorkshire soprano Lesley Garrett has made a heartfelt plea to Star readers to help keep his daughter in a prime-time TV show.The 'Doncaster Diva' is one of just three celebrities left in the BBC1 Saturday night programme Strictly Come Dancing, presented by Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daley.

The opera star turned twinkle-toed ballroom belle survived an audience vote last week to put her and professional dancing partner Anton du Beke through to the last three.

Today Lesley's dad Derek, from Thorne, said: "Lesley really wants to stay in the competition, it really is important to her.

"She has been taking it very seriously and is a very competitive soul.

"If she sets her mind to something she really sets her mind to it, and she really wants to stay in the show.

"She is hoping her fans from across South Yorkshire will help keep her there."

The singing celebrity - who has described the programme as "the most extraordinary experience of my life" - has so far impressed the judges with her fancy footwork.

Last week she beat off competition from ex-rugby star Martin Offiah with a foxtrot and the cha-cha-cha.

Judges told Lesley: "You have a dancer inside you."

Today dad Derek said: "There is a dancer in the family.

"I have got gold medals in dancing in everything except the tango because I used to get my feet plaited together in the tango, so she has got some dancing in her blood."

Lesley has been rehearsing all week for this Saturday's show, where she will take on BBC1 newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky and EastEnders star Christopher Parker, alias Spencer Moon.

Christopher survived the audience vote despite being ridiculed by the judges last week for a bewildering paso doble display, which included a high speed run around the dancefloor clad in a sinister black cape.

Derek said: "I just hope the viewers vote for the quality of the dancing.

"Anyone can see Natasha is a very good dancer, but Christopher can only still be in the competition because he appeals to children and teenagers with their mobile phones!"

One couple is voted out of the competition each week and by next week, just two teams will remain to compete for the coveted crown of Strictly Come Dancing champions.

Viewers can vote on Saturday for Lesley by dialling 09011 211 112. Calls cost 25p and at least 12p per call goes to the charity Sport Relief.

Source