COUNTY prostate cancer charities have received a £37,000 boost from this year’s Strictly Worcestershire, which wowed a sell-out audience of 750 at the Chateau Impney in Droitwich.
The dance spectacular, hosted by TV and radio presenter Adrian Chiles, was won by Fiona Watson and Jon Bell, whose samba and American smooth routines impressed the judging panel comprising Lord Digby Jones, broadcaster Bob Warman, dancer/choreographer Katie Love and choreographer Jennifer Bennett Price.
Sponsored by drp and A1 Recruitment Solutions, last Thursday’s black tie event was held in aid of the £1.6 million Rory the Robot Appeal and the Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Awareness Group. Eight contestant couples from the Worcestershire business community strutted their stuff in a bid to lift the prestigious glitterball trophy.
Audience vote winners Lauren Baker and Ryan Shemwell were named runners-up following a dance off and Charlotte Page and George Pickard completed the top three.
To open the show, the Supreme Showgirls performed a Vegas-style routine and 2016 champions Ben and Geraldine Mannion reprised their winning tango.
Co-producer Julia Williams said: “Everyone associated with the event, including our dedicated dancers, generous sponsors and enthusiastic volunteers who fund-raised on the night, helped to create the most successful Strictly Worcestershire since its debut in 2014.”
“Lord Digby Jones, who is chairman of the judges, commented that the standard of the dancing is getting better every year with three of our contestant couples receiving four perfect tens,” she added.