Two Strictly Come Dancing champions have been confirmed as judges for this year’s Strictly Knot Dancing fundraiser for Dougie Mac.
Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova, who have six Strictly trophies between them, will be returning to the judging panel when the contest is staged at The King’s Hall, in Stoke-on-Trent, on Friday, 6 November.
Twelve local business leaders have spent months practising their moves ahead of taking to the dancefloor for the live show on Friday, 6 November.
The contestants hope to beat the £145,000 total raised by last year’s inaugural event.
They have already raised more than £75,000 with three weeks to go.
Other judges on the night are David Webster, Chief Executive of Dougie Mac, and head judge Ollie Hand, owner of The Sanctuary Dance School, who is organising the fundraiser alongside Knot Events.
David said: “More than £75,000 raised with three weeks to go is a fantastic achievement.
“We are incredibly grateful to every contestant, sponsor, volunteer and supporter who has helped make this possible.
“The funds raised will help us continue providing specialist care and support to local people and their families. I’m looking forward to returning to the judging panel and seeing the contestants take to the dance floor.”
The full line up is: Stuart Elford (Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce), Shanie Chaudry-Goodall (M Investment Group), Jenny Johnston (KMF Group), Claire Garner (JCB), Karen McKenzie (Dougie Mac), Julie Mirowski (Rydale Roofing), Claire Chidlow (HTC Solutions Ltd), Matt Holdcroft (Holdcroft Heating), Gabriel Daniels (The Hair House), Matt Hustwit (DJH), Stuart Heath (Red Earth Farm) and Mark Inskip (RBC Brewin Dolphin).
Professional dancers taking part are Cameron and Viktoriia Robinson, Matt and Beth Keeble, and Max Appleby and Beth Gardiner.
Spectator balcony tickets are still available here.
- Stuart Elford recently wrote a Daily Focus guest article about his experience of Strictly Knot Dancing so far. Read more here.
