Daniel O'Donnell gives Preston dance school pupil starring role on stage

Six-year-old Kirian Collins, a pupil at the Whelan-Joyce dance school in Preston, has made a big impression at Irish dancing since starting lessons just a year ago.

He has already passed his Grade 1, 2 and 3 exams and hopes to be involved in national championships later this year.

Dad Tom is a well-known face on the country music circuit and has been taking Kirian along to his shows all over the UK, where the youngster has danced and raised hundreds of pounds at collections towards dance mats for his dance school.

Tom, 39, had a chat with Daniel ahead of the Irish star’s recent concert at Blackpool Opera House, proudly mentioned Kirian’s dancing prowess and the singer invited the youngster on stage.

“Daniel was really impressed and Kirian was thrilled,” said Tom, who lives in St Annes.

“He dances at the Whelan-Joyce school in Preston and has really taken to it really quickly.

“He passed his grade one, two and three exams just last Sunday. My roots are Scottish but Irish dancing is really popular and it has gone down well when we have incorporated it into our shows.

“Kirian showed a real knack for it and has really impressed his teachers at dance school.

“We looked around for the ideal one to develop his talent and found the Whelan-Joyce, where they have been great with him.”

Daniel O’Donnell, 56, the hugely popular Irish singing star, was at the Blackpool Opera House, touring in a show with his new band and special guest star Mary Duff when Kirian met up with him.