Dream still alive for Siberian dance group in Britain's Got Talent

The dream is still alive for Siberian dance sensations Team UDI after reaching the grand final of the prestigious UK television show Britain's Got Talent.

In a dramatic conclusion to Wednesday's semi-final, the group faced a sudden-death vote between them and another dance act called IMD to make the last stage.

Magician Jamie Raven had already gone through automatically as the winner of the heat, but the four judges then were asked to pick their own favourite between the acts finishing in second and third place.

With two votes each, the result was reverted back to the public vote and it turned out the Russians had finished in second place, sending them through to Sunday's televised live final.

It means UDI could now be just one more performance away from winning the contest – and collecting a cheque for £250,000 (19 million roubles). Addressing the British TV audience on Wednesday night, the group members said Sunday’s grand final 'could change our lives'.

They said: 'Our previous audition was the biggest thing we have ever done, but tonight was the biggest night of our lives. For the British public to support us was amazing. Winning Britain's Got Talent could change our lives and the lives of so many children.'

The shadow dance group’s performance on Wednesday had the audience on its feet, with the noise and applause drowning out the judges when they tried to speak. Their skills made it appear is if they were flying through the air, hovering, and disappearing in clouds of dust.

'You have done it again, you have upped your game,' said judge Alesha Dixon, previously a singer with the now disbanded R&B trio Mis-Teeq. 'It was mesmerising – what a spectacle.'

Chief judge Simon Cowell said: 'It was magic. You come over as nice, sincere, guys and the audience here really like you. That’s what this show is all about.'

Actor David Walliams described the Siberians as 'truly spectacular', while the fourth judge Amanda Holden said the performance was 'life affirming and beautiful to watch'. Formed by three friends in Tomsk in 1998, it has been a long road to stardom for UDI.

Yuri Bakin, Igor Andrikevich and Denis Vishnyak have won the hearts of millions with their breath-taking routines - and their promise to build a new gymnastic school for under-privileged children if they triumph in this year's series.

The group has spent the past decade dedicating their time to working with orphans and other disadvantaged youngsters.

Igor, 34, said: 'We have gone through this kind of thing ourselves and we know what it is like when you are deprived of attention, or when no one wants you. I was 10 years old when my father left the family. I don’t know where he is, or if he is alive. I was on the list of poor children and was helped with clothes, some of which were one size too big.

'At times I also had to keep an eye on my younger sister while my mother was working, and had to take her to kindergarten and pick her up again. It was tough. So, I believe it’s our duty to give an opportunity to these children at our school.'

As well as the prize money, the winning act will take a place at the Royal Variety Performance in front of the Queen in London later in the year.