DANCE superstar Perri Kiely dived into the final of hit ITV show Splash! following a show stopping semi-final performance - where he was compared to the diving star Tom Daley.

The pint-sized 18-year old from South Ockendon, who rose to fame as part of dance group Diversity, wowed the judges once again with his performance where he scored 27.5 out of 30 in one of his two dives – the highest on the night.

Perri in the past has said he’s found it difficult to dive without his glasses, but it hasn’t stopped Olympic medallist and co-host Tom Daley labelling Perri as the “stand-out performer”.

He’ll be joined in the final by Boyzone star Keith Duffy. The two saw off competition from TV presenter Michaela Strachan and glamour model Danielle Lloyd.

Judges described Perri as "courageous" and "fearless", and said his 7.5 metre backwards somersault was nearly as professional as Daley’s.

Panellist Leon Taylor said he thought the youngster was only a few lessons away from being a professional.

Following the dive, Perri, who was being cheered on poolside by his Diversity colleagues, said: "I have put so much hard work in to this, so to get a comment like that means the world."

Following his success, Perri tweeted his fans, saying: “I made the final of @ITVsSplash wow thank you so much to everyone who voted. I love you all. Bring on the final much love #20DV”

Perri and Duffy will be joined in the final by two more contestants from this weekend’s other semi-final. The final will be aired on ITV1 on Saturday, February 15.

What did you think of Perri? Tweet us @ThurrockGazette.