Two Kent schoolgirls have shared what it took to earn a standing ovation from the Britain's Got Talent judges.

Ilana Wigg and Katie Mason of Borden Lane and Homewood Avenue, Sittingbourne, appeared on episode two of the ITV show, where they wowed the panel as part of dance group, IMD Legion.

The 16-year-olds from Highsted Grammar School, who have been dancing for 10 years, dominated the stage alongside their 37 dance partners.

Ilana, who is studying maths, physics and PE, said: "We've been with IMD Legion for the last seven years.

"We trained for our BGT audition for years, but the routine we performed only took about a month to perfect.

"We train about 15 hours a week, which increases when it comes to the time just before a performance.

"We’ve had to give up quite a lot, we don’t get much time to rest and see our friends but it’s worth it for the outcome."

"The hardest moments are probably just before we go on stage because the performance is everything that we’ve been working up to.

"It can be quite nerve racking and emotional because so much has gone into it."

Katie, who studies business, photography, media and PE, met Ilana at preschool, but their friendship blossomed at a Sittingbourne dance group called Shake It.

She said:"It was at this dance group that Omar Ansah Awuah, the choreographer, CEO and founder of IMD Legion, scouted us.

"Ever since we've been dancing up in London at the Stratford studio four to five times a week, all we do is study and dance.

"But the best thing about it and going on Britain's Got Talent was being able to enjoy being on the stage with people we consider family.

"It was very nice to see how the audience appreciated our work.

"Normally we perform in front of dancers so it was exciting to share our set with the general public."

The group performed a hip hop set with acrobatic-like tricks to a music mix made by Omar himself.

The episode they featured in aired on Saturday, April 17, however, their audition was filmed back in January.

Ilana said: "It was quiet scary going on stage, we were all nervous."

Katie agreed, adding: "But because their are so many us and we each know we are part of something bigger we all performed so well.

"It all goes so fast, on stage your mind just blanks."

The Year 12 pupils are hoping to find out if they make it through to the live semi-finals shortly.

Ilana said: "It was amazing to see Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden stand and clap at the end.

"It was good to see their appreciation and that they enjoyed our performance.

"It definitely met and surpassed our expectations, it was very exhilarating performing infront of so many people and we were very proud of ourselves when hearing the judges feedback.

"Simon Cowell was very nice and funny, we enjoyed hearing what he had to say it was nice to know he liked our set."

"If we get through it will be really fun being on live TV and it would be great to get the whole of Sittingbourne behind us."

Katie and Ilana were joined on stage by dancers from all over the country, including some from Rainham, Eastbourne, Thanet, Maidstone and London.

Their mums, Michelle Mason and Talita Wigg, said: "Seeing our daughters and their dance friends performing on the biggest show on telly and getting the positive feedback and praise from the judges makes us so proud.

"We see first-hand the hours they dedicate to fitness, teamwork and travel, they often train seven days a week.

"Their commitment to reach this far is admirable.

"Omar has created a magical environment at IMD where our children have learnt great teamwork, values and we respect him for the safe place he has created and his commitment to the children during the pandemic and beyond."

The next episode of Britain's Got Talent will air tonight on ITV.