A teenager from Ipswich is warming up to perform live in front of millions with a professional dancer from Strictly Come Dancing.

16-year-old Brianna will be stepping up, in a BBC Children in Need first, to perform a live dance routine with Strictly dancer and two-time World and European Dance Champion Nadiya Bychkova.

Brianna was born with a rare genetic condition called Cat Eye Syndrome and underwent open heart surgery at just one week old.

She is one of the Challenge Squad, being one of four inspirational young people who have benefitted from Children in Need funding.

Ipswich Star: Brianna learning the dance with NadiyaBrianna learning the dance with Nadiya (Image: BBC)

The Challenge Squad is championed by Jermaine Jenas, Alex Jones, Roman Kemp and Vernon Kay.

The news of Brianna's partner was revealed on BBC One Show by Strictly Come Dancing judge and former dancer Anton Du Beke.

Choreographed by Nadiya, Brianna and the professional dancer will be dancing to a special rendition of Tomorrow from Annie.

Alex Jones said: "The song is especially important to Brianna because whenever she is struggling she always thinks that tomorrow will be a better day.

Ipswich Star: The four members of the Challenge Squad with the championsThe four members of the Challenge Squad with the champions

Nadiya continued: "Brianna's a very special young lady and I'm honoured to dance with her."

To prepare herself for the epic challenge, Brianna visited The Strictly Ballroom and graced the Ballroom floor with Pudsey to share her story with the nation.

She said: "I'm spending every moment trying to get the steps and moves right.

"Some days are really tough physically but I'm getting there and I won't let anything stop me."

BBC Children in Need will be streamed this year live on November 17 on BBC One.

Ipswich Star: Brianna will perform on BBC Children in Need on November 17Brianna will perform on BBC Children in Need on November 17 (Image: BBC)