Norwich teen's bid for TV stardom

Kim BriscoeTwo city gymnasts are following in the high flying footsteps of their friends after wowing the judges of Britain's Got Talent.Kim Briscoe

Two city gymnasts are following in the high flying footsteps of their friends after wowing the judges of Britain's Got Talent.

Kayla Slater and Laura Ladbrooke have made it through the 'buzzer round' of the ITV1 television programme.

The pair, who have both honed their acrobatic skills with Norwich's Chermond Gym, are hoping they can emulate the success of fellow members Shaine Young and his sister Lucinder, who are otherwise known as the trapeze act Shailou and featured in the contest last year.

Kayla, 13, from Hellesdon, and Laura, 12, from Eaton, made it through an initial audition in January with their handstand routine, before facing the show's panel of celebrity judges on February 4.

Performing in front of an audience of hundreds under the stage name of Kaylor, the pair impressed the panel and hosts Ant and Dec with their 'aerial cube' routine, which involves a series of acrobatics based around a metal cube of about a metre and a half in diameter which is suspended from the ceiling.

Laura, a Hethersett High School pupil, said: 'It was amazing and the best thing I have done in my life.

'I loved performing and meeting Ant and Dec.'

Kaylor, a student at Hellesdon High School, is a fan of watching the show and said the support they had from the audience really helped them to beat the nerves.

She said: 'I was really scared but it was really good.

'Everything time we did something all the audience were standing up and cheering.'

The girls both auditioned with the aim of fulfilling their dream of taking part in the Royal Variety Performance, and hope one day to forge a career in the circus.

Justine Dixon, of Chermond Gym, said both girls were talented members who will be competing at the British Championships for Acrobatic Gymnastics.

She said: 'We are like a big family at the gym and everyone is really pleased for them.

'I think the part they were most excited about was getting to meet Ant and Dec.'

The club, which currently operates from the City Academy Norwich and runs sessions in circus skills, is still seeking a new home, as currently all of the equipment it uses has to be set up and then packed away each week.

Britain's Got Talent returns to our screens on ITV in May.

Are you a talented youngster who has appeared on TV? Call Evening News reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 or email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk.