Business leaders step up for Strictly challenge for Dougie Mac

Senior figures from some of Staffordshire’s best-known companies are swapping boardrooms for ballrooms in a bid to raise another six-figure sum for Dougie Mac.

Twelve business leaders including Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce chief executive Stuart Elford, have signed up for Strictly Knot Dancing 2026 after last year’s event raised a record £145,000 for the charity.

Contestants will spend the next four months learning to dance, balancing rehearsals with their day jobs and leading fundraising campaigns.

They will take to the stage for a live show at The King’s Hall, in Stoke-on-Trent, on Friday, 6 November with tickets expected to sell quickly when they are released in the coming weeks.

The full line-up is Shanie Chaudry-Goodall (M Investment Group), Jenny Johnston (KMF Group), Claire Garner (JCB), Karen McKenzie (Dougie Ma), Julie Mirowski (Rydale Roofing), Claire Chidlow (HTC Solutions Ltd), Matt Holdcroft (Holdcroft Heating), Gabriel Daniels (The Hair House), Matt Hustwit (DJH), Stuart Elford (Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce), Stuart Heath (Red Earth Farm) and Mark Inskip (RBC Brewin Dolphin).

David Webster, Chief Executive of the Dougie Mac Hospice, said: “Strictly Knot Dancing has become one of the highlights of our fundraising calendar. Last year’s incredible £145,000 has already helped us continue providing specialist care and support to local people and their families when they need us most. We simply couldn’t achieve this without the dedication of every contestant, sponsor, volunteer and supporter involved.

“I’m delighted to be returning to the judging panel this year and I’m really looking forward to watching our new contestants develop over the coming months. There will no doubt be plenty of laughs, a few nerves and some fantastic performances along the way. I wish every contestant the very best of luck… and may the best dancer win!”

Stuart told Daily Focus: “When I was asked to take part – my first reaction was to wonder what I’d be letting myself in for! But the opportunity to support Dougie Mac was impossible to turn down.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge, learning something completely new and, hopefully, putting on a performance that helps raise as much money as possible for an incredible local charity, even if it means risking making a bit of a fool of myself!”

The event is organised by Knot Events, with support from The Sanctuary Dance School, in Stone.

This year’s professional dancers include Cameron and Viktoriia Robinson, Matt and Beth Keeble, and Max Appleby and Beth Gardner.