A TEEN dancer who was eliminated from a television talent contest said it was the “time of her life”.

Rhythmic gymnast Hannah Martin, of Burgess Hill, was one of two acts to be voted off in Saturday’s The Greatest Dancer show on BBC One.

The semi-final saw the 17-year-old perform a dance inspired by the ocean – a challenge set by her mentor and dance captain, Matthew Morrison.

The pair visited Brighton beach in preparation for the performance, and Matthew, who is from the Orange County in California, said he had never experienced a beach “quite that chilly”.

The choreographer and star of Glee described Hannah’s dance as “fluid, poetry in motion” and said “I don’t think Hannah knows how good she is”.

“She is so talented,” he added.

Hannah created a routine to mimic the movement of waves and channel Matthew’s passion for the sea, in an attempt to sail into the final.

She impressed the judges but did not receive enough votes from viewers to continue in the competition.

Speaking on the show after the votes were revealed, Hannah said: “I feel so privileged to have had this experience.

“It’s been the time of my life and I want to say thank you to Matthew for giving me this opportunity.

“I feel so grateful.”

Hannah, who was home-schooled, attended Shoreham Academy and competed for England in the Commonwealth Games in 2018.

Four acts now remain in The Greatest Dancer competition, and next week’s final will see one scoop a £50,000 cash prize and the chance to perform on Strictly Come Dancing later this year.

Catch the final on BBC One on Saturday at 6.30pm.