THE CEO of Bournemouth Rugby says the club will be supporting former player Ore Oduba in his hopes to raise the Strictly Come Dancing glitterball trophy.

Ore, who grew up in Wimborne, has been one of the top contestants in this year’s competition scoring the first ten of the season for his brilliant jive with partner Joanne Clifton.

He also achieved high praise from the widow of Gene Kelly following the pair’s American Smooth to Singin’ in the Rain which scored them an impressive 35 points.

And according to James Croker, the CEO of Bournemouth Rugby, Ore’s great footwork could be a result of his time playing rugby for the club.

The 30-year-old played for the First XV team in the 2004/2005 season as a winger.

Speaking to the Echo Mr Croker said: “As a club we’ve been supporting Ore through our Twitter and Facebook accounts, as well as the club newsletter.

“We’d like to think playing rugby has helped with Ore’s great footwork.

“He’s doing fantastically well and we wish him all the best for the rest of the competition.”

Last week the BBC sports presenter found himself in the dance-off alongside TV presenter Laura Whitmore.

He was saved following a second performance of his salsa to Turn The Beat Around by Vicki Sue Robinson.

And despite getting high scores from the judges on the show there are concerns he could be going home this weekend if he fails to secure the public vote.

However club secretary James Mills said he didn’t think Ore would be going home anytime soon.

“He’s just too good. I don’t think he will be going anywhere. The club are definitely behind him anyway,” he added.

The former Canford School pupil will be dancing the rumba to Ordinary People by John Legend on tonight’s show as all the contestants fight for a spot in the Blackpool special next week.

A spokesman from the school in Canford Magna said they were all “really proud” of the former pupil and that he had “done so well”.

Ore began his career in children’s TV, anchoring Newsround and Sportsround, before presenting live events such as the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations and the London Marathon

The remaining eight contestants will appear on Strictly at 6.55pm tonight on BBC One.