BURLESQUE dancer Fabia Cerra has promised to wow the nation in the semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent but fears it will not be enough.

The 35-year-old from Greater Leys, Oxford, won through this weekend to the last 40 entrants battling it out this week for a place in the final of the ITV talent show.

She will now strut her stuff in front of millions of viewers live on Thursday night.

The mother of one, who shot to national fame when she performed her tassle-shaking routine in front of a startled Simon Cowell, said she was under no illusions that she would win the competition, but would enjoy the ride while it lasted.

She said: “It’s unbelievable. I cannot believe they have chosen me out of all those fantastic acts.

“It’s going to be a really tough competition and I’m up against so many wonderful people.”

Miss Cerra, who has recently published her autobiography about her battle with bi-polar disorder, added: “I know I’m not going to win, I’m prepared for that, but I feel honoured that Simon, Amanda and Piers thought I was good enough for the semi-finals.

“That has boosted me up to realise I can dance.

“On Thursday I will be doing something totally different. I’m so looking forward to it.

“I’m not sure when I’m going to be on but it’s going to be a spectacular show.

“I rehearsed on Saturday and the competition is very tough – only two acts from each semi will go through. It’s going to be really full on.

“I’m not expecting to get through, I’m just going to dance as if it will be the last time – and give 110 per cent.

“I’ll just enjoy it while it lasts; it could all be over by Friday.”

The former pupil of Peers School, Littlemore, watched Saturday’s pre-recorded show on her own.

She added: “To have Simon Cowell put me through must mean I’ve got something apart from a pair of boobs.

“I was crying as I watched the show. It was really frightening being in front of the judges.

“It was crunch time and I really believed they were going to say ‘I’m sorry, you’re not going through’.”

She added: “I’ve made lots of fantastic friends with the other acts. Everyone’s very grounded and the support people give each other is really nice.

“Without people’s support I wouldn’t have done it. They have given me that extra hope to carry on.

“It’s been an up-and-down journey but now I can stick two fingers up to those in the media who criticised me.”

tairs@oxfordmail.co.uk