Holby city star Tom Chambers has made it through to the second round of Strictly Come Dancing after performing first on Saturday's programme.
Darley Dale born Tom, 31, who attended the Matlock Pre Prep School on Smedley Street and is a member of Matlock Golf Club, showed off his skills in the hit show and is already favourite to win the Strictly crown.
Tom's parents Stuart and Rosemary Chambers went along to the first show at the BBC Shepherds Bush studios in London and gave the Mercury an exclusive insight.
Stuart said, Tom was a bundle of nerves as he and Camilla, his gorgeous Danish dance partner, were first out of the trap.
He added: "We were delighted as we were so nervous for him too as it is a very live audience with demanding judges.
"Rosemary and I were joined by three prominent members of the Holby City cast, Michael Spence, Daisha and Maddy Young who were so supportive. In particular Maddy and Michael giving such superb off camera TV interviews which we should see over the period in which Tom stays in on the daily BBC 2 6.30pm Claudia Winkleman Show.
"We had such a great time in the BBC bar before and after the show until near midnight chatting with the other contestants in particular a hot favourite being Rachel Stevens of S Club 7. I have a lovely picture of Tom with Rachel – are we looking at the finalists!
"I can't tell you how exciting and exhilarating it was, gorgeous dresses to look at and lots of other celebrities to meet and see – a BBC bar to use too - I recommend anyone to try and get a 'wild invitation' via the bbc.co.uk Strictly Come Dancing website.
"If you can get there it's a long day and it's true you see more on the TV but the vibrant atmosphere and live show movement of boom cameras and technicians and all the contestants, fantastic."
Tom is up against a host of other celebrities such as GMTV presenter Andrew Castle, former EastEnders star Gillian Taylforth and chef Gary Rhodes. The BBC1 show will be on at 6.45pm on Saturday.
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