8-year-old autistic boy absolutely slays 'Thriller' dance

LONDON -- While visiting the British coastal city of St. Ives, 8-year-old William Ryan decided to partake in a webcam challenge put on by a cottage leasing agency.

The task? Put on your best dancing moves for the camera. The stakes? A luxury hamper of goodies.

William not only won the contest with his spectacular rendition of Michael Jackson's iconic "Thriller" dance, he's since become an internet sensation.

And when you watch the video, it's pretty clear why. The boy is a STAR:

In a Facebook comment, the 8-year-old's mum Gemma writes, "Three years ago, when William was five he was diagnosed with autism.

"He struggled to communicate, struggled academically in school and continues to struggle to socialise and make friends, but about 18 months ago his dad introduced him (via YouTube) to the wonders of Michael Jackson and he watched his videos for hours on end and learnt all his routines off by heart."

Looks like all that hard work paid off -- at just 8, William has managed to master the dance moves of one of the world's greatest performers.

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