Strictly Saint Francis
Get ready for a fab-u-lous night of dance, glitz, and glamour at Strictly Saint Francis- sparkling event in support of Saint Francis Hospice! For one unforgettable evening, professional dancers will team up with 7 of our courageous and enthusiastic supporters to compete for our first ever Glitter Ball Trophy.
Most importantly, every step danced and every pound raised will help fund the vital care provided by Saint Francis Hospice to people with palliative and end of life care needs and their loved ones.
Saint Francis Hospice specialises in providing care for any person, from any faith or cultural background, who has been diagnosed with a serious illness who lives in Havering, Brentwood, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge or West Essex.
Saint Francis Hospice offers experienced, compassionate advice and support. The hospice works alongside GPs, community nurses and hospital specialists to help manage pain and other difficult symptoms, with an aim for comfort, as much independence as possible, and the best possible quality of life. The hospice team also provides care for people at the end of life, at home and at the hospice. We assess and address spiritual needs, linking in with local religious leaders and we do our best to accommodate any specific dietary requirement, custom or ritual that needs to be upheld.
Please join us for a night of unforgettable moves and heart warming support- it is going to be spectacular.
Who's dancing for the Strictly Saint Francis 2025 Glitterball trophy?
It's time to meet the official Strictly Saint Francis line-up...
Jeremy Adley
Jeremy, who goes by Jerry, is taking to the dance floor to support the hospice that gave "second to none" care to his dear friend, Ken. He’s delighted to have the opportunity to take on this challenge in Ken's memory, a person he describes as "fun loving and a joker" who would find his Strictly journey "hilarious."
While he admits that dancing in front of a live audience is "quite terrifying," Jerry is ready for the challenge. He's excited to be learning the Foxtrot, a dance he's always wanted to learn, with a bit of the Cha Cha thrown in for good measure.
The best part of the journey so far has been his teacher, Nikita, whom he describes as "amazing and brave." He hopes she can be patient with her "enthusiastic pupil who has a lot to learn." Jerry is honoured to be partnering with Nikita in their quest for the glitterball, all while raising money for Saint Francis Hospice.
Mary Burke
As the Director of Hornbridge Maintenance, Mary spends her days managing and maintaining a wide range of properties. She loves the challenge and leadership her role brings, and describes her "superpower" as "big-picture strategic thinking" and guiding decisions with intention, creativity, and passion.
Mary signed up for Strictly Saint Francis because the hospice holds such a special place in her heart. When her nan was terminally ill, the care Saint Francis gave to her and her family was "truly incredible." It brought "comfort, dignity, support and a smile during one of the hardest times in our lives." Mary has been raising money in her nan’s memory ever since, but when she heard about Strictly, it felt like the perfect fit.
Having been a Ceroc dancer since 2014 and even a "Taxi Dancer" who supports beginners, Mary is no stranger to the dance floor. She's also an avid "kitchen dancer" who loves turning up the music and "throwing in a few spins or body rolls."
She's equally nervous and excited about her dances. The Jive is proving to be a challenge due to its fast pace and sharp precision, but she’s confident it will "click" eventually. She's most excited about the American Smooth, a beautiful and flowing style she's looking forward to bringing to life on the dance floor.
The best part of the journey so far has been the support from her professional partner, Frankie, and the kindness she's received from friends, family, and even strangers. Mary says this journey is about more than just dancing, it's about "people coming together to do something meaningful."
As for a fun fact, Mary reveals she is a very competitive Uno player with a reputation for getting "very enthusiastic" when it's game time!
Steve Drew
Steve is a Funeral Director and former fireman who has a deep-rooted connection to Saint Francis Hospice. He and his family's business have seen first-hand the incredible work the hospice does, witnessing families share their stories of compassionate care during the toughest times. The hospice is their one and only charity they support, and Steve says he signed up because the staff are so passionate that he simply "couldn't say no!"
When it comes to his dance experience, Steve is upfront: he's only ever "dad danced after a few Guinness's." He admits to hitting "the panic button" as soon as he agreed to take part, and he's both nervous and excited about the whole experience.
The journey so far has been full of laughs, and Steve has made a surprising discovery. He didn't realise his "hips, waist, legs and bum could move in different directions at the same time."
As for a fun fact, Steve claims he has no hidden talents and simply says, "just call me snake hips baby!"
Mark Gilbey-Cross
As the Quality Improvement Lead at Saint Francis Hospice, Mark's day-to-day work is all about ensuring the best possible care for individuals in our care. Now, he's taking on the challenge of Strictly Saint Francis to help raise vital funds for the hospice.
Mark signed up because he's seen first-hand the incredible work his colleagues do and knows that fundraising is crucial for the hospice's survival. On a personal level, he wanted to step out of his comfort zone and "do something that scares you as often as possible" — and dancing in front of a big crowd at The Brentwood Centre is certainly doing that!
When it comes to dance experience, Mark is upfront: he has none in Latin or Ballroom, although he is "known to cut a few good moves," which he also refers to as "dad dancing."
Mark admits he's most nervous about the Samba because of its technicality and speed. However, he's very excited to perform the Tango, as he loves the traditional music. So far, the best part of the journey has been meeting his professional partner, Mia, who is "lovely, patient and very talented." He's also enjoying the camaraderie and humour shared between all the "celebrities."
Finally, a fun fact about Mark is that he has a history of performing on big stages! As a child, he played percussion in Thurrock Marching Brass, performing at venues like Wembley Arena and the Royal Albert Hall, and even appeared on television.
Tania Johnson
Tania works as a Financial Planning Administrator, where she spends her days helping people plan for their future. Now, she's swapping her spreadsheets for sequins to take on a brand-new challenge on the Strictly Saint Francis dancefloor!
The reason Tania signed up for the show is close to her heart, and she's ready to take a leap of faith for a fantastic cause. While she did dance as a child, she's had a break for over 38 years, so getting back into the studio has been an incredible journey.
When asked what she's most nervous about, Tania admitted it's the Quickstep. "Breathing at the same time as moving is a bit of an issue!" she laughed. However, nothing can take away from the best part of her experience so far: "walking back into a dance studio after 38 years and so many memories flooding back."
You might be surprised to know that Tania has a very special connection to the show's professional dancers. Her fun fact is that she once met Karen Hauer and Kevin Clifton from Strictly at a caravan park in Clacton!
Paula Kirby
Paula is a Chemotherapy Systems Manager for the NHS, but her connection to Saint Francis Hospice runs deep. Having worked there for nearly ten years, she has seen the incredible care and compassion the staff provide first-hand. Now, she's thrilled to be raising money for the hospice, a place that also cared for her nan, her mother-in-law, and many other friends and family.
A lifelong fan of Strictly, Paula never thought she'd get the chance to dance herself. When she saw Strictly Saint Francis advertised, she was excited by the challenge. "It will be nerve wracking on the night," she admits, "but also very exciting."
While she did a little tap, modern, and ballet as a child (and was famously told she danced with her tongue sticking out!), Paula has never had proper dance training. She once did a ballroom taster session 40 years ago and has always wanted to learn.
Paula is excited for both of her dances, but her biggest fear is her "mind going blank." She’s especially looking forward to a more dramatic number. The best part of her journey so far has been the lessons, and the feeling of making real progress.
As for a fun fact, Paula says she's a bit self-conscious when it comes to dancing. She's a proud nan to two grandchildren, and she's taking inspiration from her confident six-year-old granddaughter, who is already a great dancer!
Dean Zetter
Dean works as a Streetworks Inspector and is trading his day job for a new challenge on the dance floor. He signed up for Strictly Saint Francis to raise money for the hospice, which he says "has been very good to my family when it was needed."
While he's dabbled in a couple of lessons "many, many, MANY years ago," Dean admits that life and time have got in the way of his dancing dreams. Now, he's back and ready to take on the challenge. He's nervous and excited about both of his dances, finding the ballroom to be "so precise" and the Latin to be all about "letting go," which he struggles with.
The best part of the journey for Dean has been his dance partner, Michelle, who he says is "very talented and patient." She's had to put up with his "nervous humour, which can be a little off the wall."
But Dean has a very surprising hidden talent. He's an avid writer who is in the process of getting a crime novel called A Mad Revenge published. He's also had several plays performed, including a comedy murder mystery called Murdered at the Queen Albert, which raised money for the hospice.
What to expect on the night?
Watch our 7 professional dancers team up with 7 brave contestants to perform Ballroom and Latin dances to our panel of judges and our audience in order to be crowned our first ever Strictly Saint Francis champions. You can expect performances on the night from various different professionals to entertain you from the moment you come into the room. We will have an exciting raffle of fabulous prizes to be won. Every step danced and every pound raised helps us to continue our care for individuals and their loved ones.
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets are available to buy here
How can I be a contestant?
Sign ups for contestants this year close on the 23rd of May, to apply to take place this year click here.
If you would like to be considered for next year then please keep an eye out on our website.
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