IT WAS a case of East meets South-West yesterday as an EastEnders heartthrob visited a Swindon dance school.

John Partridge, who played hunky Christian Clarke in the long-running soap, visited the Liberatus School of Performing Arts to watch 55 pupils perform a showcase – with the actor extremely impressed with the quality of performances by the students.

“The students are absolutely spell-binding," he said. "Every time I’m here I see them grow so much. There’s so many that I want to work with.”

The 43-year-old trained dancer has served as patron of the Isis Trading Estate dance school for two years after first meeting its Principal Voyd when they both starred in rock musical Starlight Express.

John said that Liberatus stands out among other performing arts schools because it enables students to learn numerous skills with alumni finding roles in the West End and on Broadway.

“People say that you need to be a triple threat in this business – sing, act and dance. This school teaches them to be a sextuplet threat, and allows them to follow that dream whatever it may be.

“What makes this different is that they provide a bespoke service, it’s not a one-size fits all approach here. The school offers ballet, contemporary, jazz – there is something for everyone and that is why I support them.”

Liberatus principal, professional dancer Voyd who has worked with the Pet Shop Boys, Cliff Richard and Duran Duran, said it was the quality of the teaching that gives Swindon pupils the best start in their career.

“Our teachers are the best in the industry, they’ve lived this life so they are able to deal with anything,” she said.

“There have been a few nerves today but the students are so excited about their parents coming to see them. Dance is a growing industry in Swindon and it’s good to be a part of that.”

And while John, who recently returned to EastEnders for the 30th anniversary celebrations, won’t be heading back to Albert Square in the near future, he has plenty of other projects in the pipeline, including a new album and a tour of his one-man show.

Theatre-goers can also keep an eye out for the actor in Swindon as he confessed to enjoying a performance at the Wyvern.

“One of my best mates lives in Swindon so I enjoy coming down when I have a chance andSwindon certainly knows how to put on a pantomime.”

For more information on the school visit liberatusdance.com