SHE'S through!Letitia Dean had a fairy godmother of her own this weekend as she battled a debilitating stomach bug to dance her way to triumph and into the final four of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.

SHE'S through!

Letitia Dean had a fairy godmother of her own this weekend as she battled a debilitating stomach bug to dance her way to triumph and into the final four of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.

Today, as she arrives in Ipswich to begin rehearsals for the Regent Theatre's production of Cinderella, Miss Dean faces another high pressured week of demanding dance practice as well as line learning.

Theatre manager Hazel Clover said: "It was a brilliant result for Letitia. We are delighted she went through to the next round. It was a nail biting weekend of waiting to see if she had pulled it off.

The former Eastenders star, who is playing the fairy godmother in the show which starts on December 14, appeared visibly unwell during Saturday night's episode of the hit show.

Miss Clover said: "She didn't look well at all but I was gripped. We continue to wish her every success and we are looking forward to her performance on the show next weekend.

Despite her illness, the 40-year-old actress delighted viewers with a quickstep that scored her 30 out of 40 points with the show's judges.

Speaking during rehearsals Miss Dean, who at times was tearful in front of the cameras, admitted she had been feeling the strain.

She said: "I can't believe I am in the ninth week. I've never done anything in my life so stressful. It's been a difficult week and the pressure gets to you."

Preferring Ballroom to Latin, Miss Dean was filmed practicing with dance partner Darren Bennett, who is also due to travel to Ipswich to practice routines for next week's episode.

Yesterday evening viewers were on tenterhooks as Letitia and Darren went head to head with rugby player Kenny Logan and his dance partner Ola Jordan.

Miss Clover said: "It was compelling viewing. She upped her game and managed to stay in the competition."

Ticket sales for the pantomime have been brisk with £250,000 recorded in advance sales.

Miss Clover said: "This week will be a challenge for Letitia rehearsing panto and strictly but she's a professional. Obviously we are delighted with Letitia's high profile at the moment and ticket sales are going very well. It is hard to say if there is a Strictly Come Dancing Effect but it can certainly do audience numbers no harm."

It is not known if Letitia will miss any of the 48 pantomime performances due to Strictly Come Dancing.