A DANCER from Radcliffe has fought off fierce competition to secure a place alongside cruise ship stars.

Braidley Wilson, aged 25, is gearing up to make his debut performance on the Marella Dream, part of the third largest fleet of cruise ships in the UK.

The former Bury College pupil has been recruited by Peel Entertainment Group after auditioning to join the show teams.

Professional dancer Mr Wilson said: “The whole process has been really enjoyable from the initial auditions to the last 10 weeks where myself and the team have lived and worked together 24/7 to get all the shows ready.

“It’s been very demanding but I have enjoyed every minute and can’t wait to become part of the Marella team.”

Mr Wilson undertook Performing Arts at Bury College. His success resulted in him being given the prestigious Stage Scholarship to study at Midland Academy of Dance and Drama (MADD).

Andy Tomlinson, Bury College's Head of Curriculum for Performing and Creative Arts, said: "Braidley's journey has been quite remarkable and well deserved for a lovely young man who showed desire, determination and talent.

"We’re very proud of his achievements and his association with the Bury College School of Performance."

Mr Wilson auditioned for his cruise ship role at Pineapple Dance Studios in London. He will embark on his 10-month tour of the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean later this month.

During the trip, he will perform several dance solos, including an acrobatic section in the performance ‘Adventure of a Lifetime’.

Mr Wilson joins 12 other singers and dancers, drawn from all over Europe.

This on-board entertainment team will present an itinerary of 11 performances twice nightly on a consecutive two week rotation.

Alan Cutler from Peel Entertainment said: “Being part of the ship’s entertainment team demands stellar performance skills and lots of professionalism, as team members like Braidley not only perform twice daily but are living amongst the their fellow performers and the guests.

"Braidley is a fabulous dancer with a lot of natural charisma and positivity which is crucial for such a high profile on-board role.”

West End performers Cleopatra Joseph and Joseph Fletcher both began their careers as members of the cast on Marella Cruises.