A DANCER from Ellesmere Port who performed at a star-studded homecoming concert in London for Team GB athletes says it was a "surreal" night that he will "remember forever".

Daniel Massarella, along with his colleagues at internationally-renowned dance circus company Motionhouse, took to the stage with alternative rock and pop-punk musician Yungblud for a special rendition of Davie Bowie's 'Heroes'.

The 33-year-old, who grew up in Little Sutton, described it as "crazy" and a "pinch yourself" moment.

The Team GB Homecoming Concert was held at the SSE Arena on Sunday with a line-up featuring the likes of Nile Rodgers, Rag’n’Bone Man, Laura Mvula, Bastille, Anne-Marie and KSI.

Presented by the National Lottery, the event was held in front of a live audience made up of family and friends of the athletes, who were unable to travel to Tokyo, as well as keyworkers and National Lottery players.

A delighted Daniel told The Standard: "The atmosphere in the room was electric. Eight-and-a-half thousand people in the arena felt surreal, especially after the lockdown year we have just had.

Chester and District Standard:

"The noise from the audience was so loud it was hard to hear the start of the music. I don’t even think it has fully sank in yet.

"It was one of those pinch yourself moments and something I will remember forever.

"We met the other artists, collaborators and some of the Olympians but as Team GB had done so well in Tokyo the security was pretty tight!

"There were a lot of medals in that room so it was hard to get anywhere near them. I feel very proud to have shared the stage with some amazing artists.

"It’s crazy to think that I go to Wembley to watch some of my favourite singers and for that night I was part of the performance that all those people had come to see – it’s something I never expected to achieve and I am so happy I did.

"There was so much support from my family and friends in Ellesmere Port, they were all sharing the BBC footage on their social media platforms before I had even got chance to see it myself and I am so thankful for that support."

The former Sutton High pupil says it was at school where his love for dance was born.

He explained: "Dance was compulsory for all students at the school from years 7-9 and this is where I first started to dance under two amazing teachers – Amanda Thornton and Lucy Ainscow.

"I stayed at Sutton High School to continue my A-levels and then secured a place at the prestigious Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds.

"After graduating I joined internationally renowned dance circus company, Motionhouse. It's a company that combines dance and circus to create a spectacle for theatre and outdoor performances.

"The company were asked to collaborate with Yungblud and perform a version of David Bowie's Heroes for the National Lottery’s team GB homecoming event held at the SSE Arena Wembley."

Daniel added: "We will be heading on a UK and European tour this year kicking off in September with the world premiere of our new dance circus show ‘Nobody’ in London.

"I would love to see people from my neck of the woods come out to support us on this tour. The nearest tour date is Manchester HOME Theatre from February 10-12 next year."