KEEP the support coming. That is the message from Hampshire's very own Strictly Dance Fever star, who takes to the floor every Saturday night in a bid to scoop the crown of champion and a £50,000 cash prize.

New Forest teenager Stewart Mills and his dance partner Clare Roberts have been setting the BBC TV competition ablaze and last week their hustle polled the second-highest score.

While Stewart trains 16 hours a day in the Strictly Dance Fever mansion, his mum Claire, family and friends are rooting for him back in Hampshire.

"I have heard my mum is in full-on drumming up support mode," Stewart, 19, said.

"I do feel hugely supported - my mum and my family are just so wonderful.

"They bring posters and they're always there to cheer me on - it's so nice to know I have so many people behind me. Sometimes I feel a bit isolated but it just feels so good when I see everyone cheering me on and know they are all rooting for me."

Life in the mansion is tough with training from dawn until dusk and the competitiveness mounting week by week.

"When we first started out, everyone saw everyone else's routine but now it's much more intense, competitive and secretive," Stewart said.

"I have no idea who will win as we don't get to see anyone else's routines. But if I were the judges I would be looking out for Darren and Lana - they are very technical and they adapt well.

"I would be looking at them as favourites - apart from me and Clare of course."