MANY people who have travelled on Red Funnel Ferry have been directed onboard by a dancing employee - but who is the man behind the moves?

The answer is Red Funnel employee of 18 years, Jim O'Reilly.

Jim, 57, joined the ferry company 18 years ago after moving from London to the Isle of Wight with his wife and children.

Isle of Wight County Press: Dancing Red Funnel employee, Jim O'Reilly doing one of his "signature" moves. Photo by Maya George Dancing Red Funnel employee, Jim O'Reilly doing one of his "signature" moves. Photo by Maya George

After five to six years of helping with the company's delivery service, the agile employee was "let loose on the public."

Jim said: "The dancing just happened. I think, to me, it is treating people the way I wish to be treated. 

"It is a warm welcome with a smile and it shows your customer is valued.

"Doing the dancing wasn’t a strategic plan and it's just to make people smile.

"The thing I enjoy most about the dancing is watching those who don’t know about it. Their jaws are nearly hitting the floor.

"There have also been kids with terminal illnesses going back and forth to hospital with their family who are able to get used to seeing me there. Parents of a young boy recently said I give them all a laugh when they come over.

"You impact people in different ways. It’s not just holiday makers who use the boat."

Jim's dance moves have been popular with customers and Southampton residents alike for many years, and he was crowned VisitEngland's Tourism Superstar in 2018.

But a recent surge in popularity, particularly on Southampton Facebook groups, has resulted in more people asking 'who is the dancing Red Funnel employee?'

This response has come as a surprise to Jim.

Isle of Wight County Press: Dancing Jim, Photo: Red Funnel FerryDancing Jim, Photo: Red Funnel Ferry

He said: "I am stunned by it as it’s usually all word of mouth. It’s brilliant.

"When I started this job, I had left London with my wife and kids and moved to the island. I came here (Southampton) and didn’t know a soul, but in a few hours people were introducing themselves.

"So, you can’t believe how much it means to me. Southampton is a city that has become very close to my heart, and it’s a pleasure to be here and welcoming people with a smile.

"I had a hip replacement at 45 and will probably need another one in a few years, and my knees are creaky, but as long as I’m physically able I will dance and have a laugh with people."

Original video provided by Red Funnel.