AN AWARD winning dancer is set to continue studies despite moving abroad to pursue a ballroom dancing career.

Edoardo Chidichino, 16, from Eastwood, achieved great things in his GCSE exams.

He is now preparing to go to Bologna, Northern Italy, for his dancing career.

He studied for his GCSE exams at Westcliff High School for Boys.

He was completely shocked at the amazing results he achieved with eight 9s, two 8s, an A* and an A in the exams.

His parents are away so were not able to join him to collect the results but were ecstatic with his success.

The teen said: “It is fantastic and it was quite a shock when I got my results.

“It is unbelievable that I have done so well.

“My family are in Greece but I told them about my grades and they are very happy and proud of me.

“I was not too worried about the new grading system.

“I am now looking to study maths, further maths, English literature and music.

“I am looking to do this at Westcliff High School for Boys.

“I will be learning while over in Italy.”

He said he tries to dance as much as possible and trains each day and so had to fit in studying around this.

He has been dancing for about six years and competes regularly.

He said he is hoping to move to Northern Italy this December.

The dancer said: “I was approached this summer by champions who said they liked my dancing and had a partner for me in Italy, I said no problem as I am Italian.

“I went for a trial and it seemed great, I am going for another trial and meeting in September before I move over there.

“I have won two Blackpool National Championships during my time as a dancer.

“It is still the plan to move out there to dance but things can change.

“The school has said they will have me back there if it doesn’t all work out.

“I have got to follow my passion and do what I love and it’s my decision.

“My friends and family have been supportive of my decision to do this.”

He said he is feeling very excited about the move and is really looking forward to this next chapter of his life.

He also encouraged other people to following their dreams and life passions.

He said: “I will be leaving my family behind, which will be tough.

“I have just got to do this for me. I will of course keep in touch with my family members, and will find a way to contact them as much as possible.”

l For more on the GCSEs results see a special report pages 19 to 28 of today’s Echo.