MICHAEL USHER 'DAD'S GOT ALL THE MOVES'

From 'daggy dad' to ol' twinkle toes - Dad can actually dance!

- Lizzie Wilson

With the grand finale of Dancing With The Stars just around the corner, fans of the Channel Seven reality dancing competition have all been unanimous in one thing; that veteran newsman Michael Usher is this season's star to beat!

And whose been the loudest of those supporters? None other than his three children, sons Tom, 23, Max, 19, and little sister Alex, 17.

"When they approached me last year, I asked the kids, and they actually surprised me and said '100 per cent Dad, go for it!' and it's turned out to be a really lovely family experience for everyone," the respected 7NEWS and Spotlight presenter, 54, shares with Woman's Day.

"I danced the jive once in Grade 10 at school, and except for 21st birthday parties and weddings, that's the extent of my dance experience!

"But my eldest Tom said something that really resonated. He said 'it's time Australia met the real you, the daggy dad we all know and love; so I thought what the heck, let's give this my best shot!"

For son Tom, there was never any doubt their much-loved dad might actually be a bit of a closet Fred Astaire!

PROUD MOMENT

“I think he was more scared than us, because I think he thought we were going to bag him out,” says Tom, who is studying to become a criminal lawyer.

“But, to be fair, he’s always had a bit of rhythm about him. We're not that surprised that he’s done as well as he has.