ANNUAL dance spectacular Strictly Worcestershire has raised £36,000 for several county charities including St Paul’s Hostel and Worcester Community Trust.
Winners of the sparkling contest at the Chateau Impney in Droitwich on May 23 were Elaine and Stuart Watt, whose The Greatest Showman themed Latin showdance and quickstep impressed the judging panel comprising Lord Digby Jones, broadcaster Bob Warman, dancer/choreographer Katie Love and choreographer Jennifer Bennett Price.
The victorious couple won a nail-biting dance off with Jason and Gaya Barnett. Jack Tingle and Grace Walton were placed third and Tracy and Tony Lowe claimed the audience vote trophy.
Organised by Worcestershire Ambassadors, the event also gave the eight contestant couples the opportunity to raise money for charities close to their heart.
Acorns Children’s Hospice, Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter, New Hope Worcester, Worcester Samaritans, Headway Worcestershire and Primrose Hospice will each receive a percentage of the total raised.
Alan Dedicoat, the voice of TV’s Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing With The Stars in the USA, was the announcer and MC was BBC Hereford and Worcester presenter Elliott Webb.
Previous Strictly Worcestershire contestants performed an energetic showdance and 2018 champions Gareth Keyte and Dawn Owen reprised their winning quickstep. Teenage dance group Art in Motion, choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden, also lit up the stage.
Worcestershire Ambassadors vice chairman and event producer Julia Williams said: “All our couples have trained extremely hard with choreographer Sharon Tilki for the past nine months.
“We’re also grateful to our event partners Andrew Grant, DRPG, Greenworks Solutions and Lowe’s Solicitors and supporting sponsors for their help in creating a memorable night.”
