A BARMAID from an old-fashioned Islington pub has made it to the final rounds of a national BBC talent competition.

Charlotte Scally, 20, of Birchmore Walk, Highbury, works in the Compton Arms, in Compton Avenue, and is one of the last 20 contestants on So You Think You Can Dance.

Charlotte, who is in her second year at the Urdang Academy, in Rosebery Avenue, Finsbury, and describes her competition style as “jazz dance with a bit of disco thrown in” almost didn’t enter the competition.

She said: “I was just in the gym one night when my nan rang me saying that she had seen the advert for the competition and that I should enter.

“I went for the audition and ended up getting through. Then I went to camp and managed to get into the top 20.

I didn’t pack appropriately for the camp – I only had one case, because I really thought I would be going home early.

“We have gone into rehearsals for three dances this Saturday, so I am a bit nervous, but excited at the same time.

“Now I am in the final, I would like to think I have a chance of winning, but I am just taking each day as it comes. I am learning everyday from the best choreographers – so hopefully the whole experience will improve my dancing.”

Charlotte’s mum, Beverly, 42, says the whole family have been rooting for her.

She said: “We’ve all gone to my mum’s for the last three Saturdays, so it’s been a real family get together.

“It has been surreal, exciting and very nerve-racking, I think we are more nervous than her. We are all going up to the live show this Saturday, which will be quite and experience. I am very proud of her and we just hope she goes as far as she can. She has worked so hard for it. All she does is dance and she is so passionate about it.”

Michelle Sloan, 26, is a barmaid at the Compton Arms, where Charlotte works.

She said: “We always have the programme on when Charlotte is competing. All the punters gather round and watch it. We’re all really rooting for her.”