Antony Cotton wins second Let's Dance heat

Coronation Street star Antony Cotton has tapped his way into the Let's Dance For Comic Relief finals after winning the second heat of the 2013 series.

The actor, best known as Weatherfield barman and factory worker Sean Tully, won the hearts of voters with a routine which saw him tap-dancing to Anything Goes, accompanied by a team of hoofing pensioners.

And while he began the routine in a set of overalls, he quickly shed the outfit for an old-fashioned tuxedo, bringing a touch of glamour to proceedings.

This week's judging panel, which included actress Lisa Riley, singer Paloma Faith and comedian Jason Manford, were also impressed with his efforts.

"I know you're called Cotton but that was as smooth as silk," Jason told him, while Lisa added: "You were unreal - I'm used to you doing that in my kitchen after four gin and tonics though."

Canadian comedienne Katherine Ryan also made it through to the Let's Dance For Comic Relief final from Saturday's show after winning the judges vote for her pastiche of Nicki Minaj.

The funny lady fought off competition from a quintet of Waterloo Road cast members, who dressed up as the Spice Girls to re-interpret Spice Up Your Life - to book her final place.

The pair will join last weekend's winners Tim Vine and the Soap Stars - a quartet consisting of Natalie Cassidy, Ricky Groves, Claire Sweeney and Dean Gaffney - in the climactic showdown on March 9.

Others who took part in Saturday's show included impressionist Jon Culshaw - who recreated Fatboy Slim's Praise You video in the reception area of TV Centre - and the duo of Kim Woodburn and Rosemary Shrager performing to Marilyn Monroe's Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend.

Next weekend will see the likes of Keith Duffy, Lee Nelson and Vanessa Feltz take to the stage, while Justin Bieber will also put in an appearance.