A Strictly Come Dancing superstar has visited a Basildon dance school to guide lucky students through an all-day masterclass workshop.

World Champion Dancer and former star of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, Vincent Simone, took pupils at La Danse Fantastique through a workshop and taught pupils six fun dances for them to perform.

The dance school, based in Bowlers Croft, has been run by Moira Brock since 1990 and she said it was one of “the most amazing experiences” since she began teaching youngsters.

She said: “Every single student came out with beams on their faces and when we offered to invite him back, everyone immediately said ‘yes please’.

“He was so inspiring for the entire workshop, and it was such an amazing opportunity for our students, we would love to keep in contact with him and do more.”

The students were guided through six dances, with Moira adding that Vincent was “halfway through teaching students a seventh before we had to stop”.

“He has told me that it was the most enjoyable experience, he was a real joy of a man and he was so accommodating.

“He made all of our students feel so special and was so lovely to all of them.

“He gave everyone a chance to have a photo with him and all the students finished the day full of smiles and laughter, although they were all very tired and I understand they all slept well that night.”

Vincent starred in several seasons of Strictly Come Dancing before leaving the show in 2014.

The workshop plan originally came about as a result of the Anna Kennedy Online autism charity, who put the school in contact with Moira.

“This event went so well we have booked Vincent for the beginning of next year,” Moira added.

“He will be returning to La Danse Fantastique on January 25 and will bring with him his dance partner.

“He will be working with our students and preparing them for a show for the parents.”

This future event will also include a strictly masterclass event in the evening, giving anyone the opportunity to participate.