Damian and Kaylee hoping to Rhumba into Dancing With The Stars final

If there is one thing Derry people know about it’s voting early and voting often.

This will be crucial on Sunday evening when local Dancing With The Stars sensation, Damian McGinty, and his professional partner, Kaylee Vincent, take to the floor for their Rhumba.

The pair are dancing to ‘Stay’ a doo-wop song written by Maurice Williams, which brought chart success for the Hollies, the Four Seasons and Jackson Browne.

Damian and Kaylee are hoping to win a coveted spot in next week’s Dancing With The Stars final.

'Glee' as former student Damian McGinty visits Derry college

IN PICTURES: Derry's Damian McGinty and his dance partner Kylee Vincent visit the city

Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography

The couple spoke to Derry Now during their visit to Derry on Tuesday, as they headed to the Echo Echo Dance Theatre company’s studio on the Walls for a five hour practice session.

Clearly in his element back in his hometown, Damian said they had had a brilliant visit to his former primary school, St Patricks, Pennyburn.

“I saw some of the teachers who taught me, Mrs Moore, my primary 6 and 7 teacher, Miss Logue and Miss Meehan. We were in the assembly hall and the wanes were delighted to see us. It was high energy and everyone was enjoying the craic. They had made posters and we taught them a wee dance. It was lovely.

“Then it was up to Lumen [Christi College], where I was also a pupil. It was great to see my teachers again, especially Mrs Deery.

“We did a serious question and answer session up there because the students are older and a lot of them are interested in pursuing careers in the performing arts and were looking for a bit of advice. We were able to give that and then we had some craic, some dancing and some photographs taken.

“I always love getting back home. I was down at the North West Regional College too, where I did my performing arts diploma when I was 16. It was great to get back and see some of my former tutors,” smiled Damian.

“The Derry public has been unbelievable so far,” he added. “Derry people get behind their own and I am really humbled and appreciate the support so far. We’re in the semi-final on Sunday and as soon as the lines open on the show, after the fifth performance, and, if people could vote it would be amazing.”

Joining the conversation, Kaylee said her first trip to Derry had been “really wonderful”.

“Everyone is super supportive and it was nice to see Damian connect with everyone and how excited they were to see him. The trip was well worth it.”

On the subject of their forthcoming semi final performance, Kaylee said: “I think there is always a little bit of nerves, especially because next week is the final. But, I know Damian and he works super hard so I am not nervous about what he is going to do, it is more heading into the finals.”

Dancing with the Stars airs on Sunday, on RTÉ One, at 6.30pm.

To vote for Damian McGinty: Text DAMIAN to 53125, Call 1513 71 71 03, Call 09011 3311 03.

To vote for Brooke Scullion: Text BROOKE to 53125, Call 1513 71 71 01, Call 09011 3311 01.