They are five real-life Billy Elliots – talented schoolboys who just love to dance. Sadly some of them have paid a high price for their passion after being bullied.
But together they are having the last laugh, as their group has won the backing of Britain’s Got Talent’s toughest judge, Simon Cowell – who branded their bullies “stupid”.
Viewers will see 5 Star Boys’ amazing audition tomorrow night.
The tear-jerking routine draws on their bullying ordeals, and what it feels like to be excluded by others.
They perform it to You Will Be Found from the hit musical Dear Evan Hansen.
Dancer Toby-Jay, 11, said: “The message we want to get out there is that it’s OK for boys to dance because it’s not just a girls’ sport.
“And no matter what people say, just carry on what you’re doing because it’s what you love.”
When Simon, 62, heard their story he called the bullies “idiots” who were “jealous because they can’t do what you do”.
And he revealed his son Eric, eight, had given him a different perspective on life, telling the group: “We are your friends.”
Adam, 10, recalled: “It was really nice, he said: ‘Don’t listen to bullies, they’re all stupid’.
“I got really bullied when I first started to dance.
“I was told dancing was for girls and I used to come home crying. It used to hurt me a lot.
“Now I’m on Britain’s Got Talent it might just stop,”
Joey, 11, added: “People have said things but I’ve never let it stop me dancing. We told Simon that we wanted to show everyone you can do what you want to do and follow your dreams.”
The group, who come from all around the UK, say one of their biggest idols is Spider-Man star Tom Holland, who’s set to play legendary dancer Fred Astaire in an upcoming biopic.
They also met the other BGT judges, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams. Adam, from Runcorn in Cheshire, said:“I was excited to see Alesha, she’s always been my favourite judge.”
Ollie said David Walliams is his favourite writer while Toby said: “I listen to Amanda on the radio every morning. She was tearing up, she said she really loved it.”
The boys all met at a dance convention in Birmingham and chose their name hoping to win a five-star rating.
Toby-Jay, of Birmingham, said: “Dancing helps me relax and it can also help you express your emotions in different ways. Depending on how you feel, you can change the style of dance you do.”
Joey, from South Shields, Tyne and Wear, said: “We all get on so well because we all share the same love for dance. There are not many boys in our areas like us so when we all get together we have the best time.”
Despite a packed audience and four famous judges, the group soon overcame their nerves.
Ollie said: “It was amazing because we got a standing ovation. It made me very happy inside.”
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Beau, 12, from Kent, said: “I was really excited. It’s taking a big step in the dance world.”
The 5 Star Boys were set to film BGT last year but the 15th series was postponed due to Covid.
All the boys, bar Ollie and Joey, have experienced negative comments about what they do – though Ollie and Joey say other dancer friends have also faced cruel jibes.
Beau’s mum Mona is planning a watch party and admits she was an “emotional mess” at the audition.
She said: “It was really special to watch all their hard work come together so beautifully. Dancing with other boys has been amazing for Beau as in his dance school he is often the only boy in class.”
Adam’s mum Kim said: “I was truly overwhelmed.
“Seeing them on stage dancing their hearts out made my heart sing with pride, I cried from the start to the end of the audition.”
Adam said: “As soon as I could walk, if music came on I’d dance around and wouldn’t stop. So I went to dance class and here I am.
“When the bullying was bad I came home and said I wasn’t doing it any more but my mum supported me and told me to keep pushing through.
“I’m so glad I took her advice."
Britain’s Got Talent continues tomorrow night at 8pm on ITV and on ITV Hub.
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