Featured Image Credit: TODAY
Topics: Film and TV, US News, Celebrity
Emma Rosemurgey
This year marks 40 years since the release of the iconic film Footloose, and four decades on, Kevin Bacon is set to step foot back in his old stomping ground.
The actor, who famously starred as Ren McCormack in the movie, has left students at Payson High School ecstatic, after announcing he will attend their prom this year, as it will be the last time it's held in the school building before they relocate next year.
Students from Payson High School have been begging the actor to return to the school, where Footloose was filmed, for years, and now they will finally get their wish.
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Bacon spoke to students via video call to share his appreciation for all the work they have done to support his charity, Six Degrees, before letting them know the exciting news.
"I have been so impressed with everything that’s been going on there with this crazy idea to get me to come back," he told them, as per TODAY.
"I’ve been amazed at the work that all of you have been putting into this, with the musical and the flash mobs and the re-creations."
The 65-year-old continued: "It hasn’t gone unnoticed by me, not to mention the fact that you tied in Six Degrees, our foundation, and are trying to figure out ways to give back to your community.
"It’s really inspirational, so thank you. Thank you."
He then revealed: "And I’m gonna come. I gotta come!"
Understandably, the teens were thrilled with the result, with one telling Bacon: "Let's dance! We're gonna do it! This is awesome!"
The announcement comes after a group of students at the Atlanta high school launched a campaign, using the hashtag #BaconToPayson in a bid to get the star to return to the school after all these years.
The teens used a number of tactics, including creating incredible videos for social media recreating scenes from the iconic movie, learning the exact choreography from songs in the film and even a benefit event to raise money for Six Degrees.
The organization, set up by Bacon, 'supports impactful initiatives to sustain and enrich local communities.'
The school's student council advisor Jenny Staheli has said she's proud of all the work the students have put in for the organization.
She said: "To watch them just take ownership of that and run with it has been... It succeeded beyond my wildest dreams, honestly."