IT WOULD have been easy for director Mira King to turn her documentary Strictly Baby Ballroom into a mickey-take of the pushy parents and downtrodden kids in the world of children's ballroom dancing.

But rather than do the obvious, she made sure the eight-year-old stars in last night's documentary were shown in a fair light - and it was impossible not to feel in awe of their dedication and hard work.

With their fluorescent skimpy costumes, head-to-toe sequins and bizarre poses, the mini-dancers looked every inch the professionals.

If you missed it, think Strictly Come Dancing's Lilia or Erin, only smaller.

That said, the orange tans, make-up that looked like it had been applied by a trowel and manic fixed grins did come across as slightly creepy when seen on an eight-year-old.

The documentary followed Ellie, Tabby and Kelsey who travel round the country winning competitions left, right, and centre - and the pressures they faced being dancing stars.

For a start, there was the massive shortage of male partners (Kelsey even had to get her slightly older brother Ryan to be her partner).

Add to that the immense pressure to win, the time spent away from home and the astronomical costs involved, and you had to wonder at times whether the kids were actually as bothered about that all-important trophy as their glory-hunting parents.