Zoe Ball's family today called on readers of The Argus to help her win a place in the final of Strictly Come Dancing by bombarding the phone lines with votes.

Zoe and dancing partner Ian Waite, who are down to the last four couples on the BBC show, will compete again tomorrow, dancing the Viennese Waltz and the Paso Doble.

But after she only narrowly qualified on last Saturday's programme, her family knows every vote will be vital.

Her husband, DJ Norman Cook, who is urging everyone to display one of The Argus' Vote Zoe posters, said: "I'd tell everyone to get behind her.

"Perhaps because she's got this far and been so good, people have got a bit complacent about dialling the number. I know I did. But she's worked so hard, doing this five hours a day, six days a week and she really wants to get through to the final.

"Put the poster up in the front window and every time you see it, press those numbers. If she wins, I'll buy you all a drink."

Norman, who lives with Zoe and son Woody in Hove, said: "She has been outstanding.

"We've danced together a bit over the years, at weddings and things, messing about, so I knew she could do it a bit. But I never dreamt she could dance like that. She really looks the part."

He also believes Zoe has inspired young people in Brighton to give a more classic style of dancing a try.

He said: "It's funny how many kids have come up to me, saying, 'I want to learn to do that'. We'll have a new generation of kids from Whitehawk wearing ties and sequins."

Norman is optimistic about Zoe's chances of getting through but admits to having an ulterior motive in supporting the Vote Zoe campaign.

He said: "I've got a four-to-one bet on Zoe to win. I put a tenner on it so I stand to win £40."

Meanwhile Zoe's father, TV presenter Johnny Ball, also urged readers of The Argus to support Zoe.

He said: "It's all for Children In Need, it's a great cause and the whole show's been so entertaining. Make sure you get your vote in and make sure it's for Zoe."

He said watching Zoe's performances had sometimes been an overwhelming experience for him.

He said: "The nation saw me crying. It was so wonderful. I knew she'd do well but to be the most consistent dancer out of all of them is incredible. We couldn't be more thrilled."

Zoe's mother, Julia Peckham, has found herself equally dewy-eyed during Zoe's elegant displays.

She said: "It has been wonderful, I'm such a proud mum. The first time I saw it I had to watch it again; this glorious vision, a blonde figure in a gorgeous red dress. It took my breath away. It was very emotional for me.

"People think Zoe has danced before but she never has. I think she and Ian have worked so hard and the competition's still fairly open."

Julia said she would have her phone on redial all through Saturday evening and urged readers of The Argus to do the same.

One of Zoe's fans who may have to keep his head down if she succeeds on Saturday is her uncle, Colin Robins. Colin lives in Barnsley, where many of his neighbours will be cheering on local boy Darren Gough.

But Colin insisted Zoe had her supporters in Barnsley too, and was confident he could round up some Zoe voters in the North.