JULIE Allen knows only too well the hard work and dedication Zoe Ball has put in to perfecting her routines on Strictly Come Dancing.

That is why the dance instructor is urging the people of Sussex to vote for Zoe and help her win a place in the grand final.Zoe and her dance partner Ian Waite are one of four pairs performing on the BBC Show tonight.

The Argus and Zoe's family and friends are calling on everyone to pick up the phone and make sure she stays in the competition.

We have printed thousands of Vote for Zoe and Ian posters so fans can show their support by putting them on display throughout the county.

One of those cheering her on will be Ms Allen, who runs the Hove Dance Studio where Zoe has been practising.

She said: "It has been done behind closed doors but the pair of them really seem to enjoy training here.

"It has given a real buzz to the place with all this going on and we're going to miss it all when the programme finishes.

"I would urge everyone to phone in and vote for Zoe.

"She is the only woman left in and I'm a bit worried most people voting will be women who will go for the good looking people such as James. Martin. However, as far as I am concerned, Zoe is the most talented and deserves to win.

"She has worked really hard, practiced so much and taken it seriously.

"The end results have been great. She is very talented and it is amazing to think she has never done anything like this before."

Ms Allen said she thought Zoe was more of a ballroom than Latin dancer.

She said: "She is good at both styles but she seems to naturally fit in with the ballroom way of dancing.

"In ballroom you stay close to the partner, while in Latin you sometimes move away and do your own thing. Sometimes people are not as happy doing that."

Ms Hill said the programme had sparked a huge interest in dancing.

She said: "We're getting children and families taking part. It's not only fun, it's great exercise and there are a lot of social events and competitions."

Ms Allen said the dancers' flamboyant and beautifully designed outfits, which have dazzled viewers, are an important part of the performance.

She said: "You have to look the part and some outfits can can cost as much as £800, while really special ones can cost more than £1,000.

"Image is vital and people dress up and really push the boat out at times. It is a good chance to look and feel really good."

Ms Allen said she will be keeping her fingers crossed for Zoe tonight.

She said: "This is her most crucial week so far. If she can get through then I think she could go all the way."

Zoe, 35, lives in Hove with her DJ husband Norman Cook and their four-year-old son Woody.

She and Ian will be up against cricketer Darren Gough, athlete Colin Jackson and celebrity chef James Martin.

The pair will be dancing the Viennese Waltz and the Paso Doble on tonight's live programme.

To keep Zoe in, call 0901 1214012.