'SYTYCD' Profile: Alastair Postlethwaite

Ahead of this Saturday's first So You Think You Can Dance live show, DS will be bringing you exclusive profile interviews with the final 14 dancers. First up is Lancashire-born Alastair Postlethwaite, who got into dance when he followed his best mate along to ballet classes. He has trained at the Royal Ballet and recently appeared alongside Wayne Sleep in Cabaret.

There's not long to go now until the live shows. Are you nervous?
"I just want to get up there now and do it. I think I was born to be a dancer. I need to be on stage and perform because I hate it when I am out of work and can't do it. Any chance to be up there, I grab. I just can't wait for Saturday now. In fact, I can't wait for Friday because we get to do a run-through then! Whether it is ten people in a studio or ten million, it makes no difference to me."

Does it make it tougher knowing that there are probably seven million viewers watching your every move?
"To be honest with you, like I said before the number of people doesn't worry me. When you are performing, your adrenaline is going anyway. But what is different is that I've never seen so many lights before. It's like Blackpool - it's insane. I'm used to ballet with just an orchestra in front of me, but here there's people running around going crazy. Organised madness is the only way I can describe it."

Do you think the show is going to be a hit in the UK?
"The problem with this show, I'm really loving it, but I'm also sad because I know it will end. Whether it's this week or a while down the line... I know I am going to miss it. You just know when something is going to be really good and we all know that when people watch it on their TVs, they will enjoy it. It is going to be amazing."

What is the atmosphere like between all the dancers?
"The first show a choreography came - that was strenuous and tiring, I cut myself off from everyone and everything and just learnt the routines. But now I have begun to make friends and everyone backstage is getting on. I thought it would be like Coronation Street with a bit of drama going on, but it's not at all. I think the contestants that stay this week will genuinely be upset to see the two people go."

The first So You Think You Can Dance live show airs on Saturday at 7pm on BBC One.