THE dance contest of the year will be judged by two Bolton stars of the small screen.

Actress Lucy Jo Hudson and recent star of The Apprentice, Michaela Wain have agreed to judge the Bolton Hospice’s Strictly Learn to Dance competition next month.

Lucy Jo will bring some dancing expertise to the contest after she earned her stripes in a recent outing on ITV's celebrity Dance Dance Dance.

And Michaela has been chosen to add even more celebrity glitter, say competition organisers.

Lucy Jo is best known for her roles in Coronation Street, Wild at Heart and Doctors and is a mother of one.

Michaela is a graduate of Thornleigh Salesian College and successful businesswoman. Her current role is director of Design & Build Publishing Ltd based at Crown Street, Bolton.

Events manager at Bolton Hospice, Maria Passarello said: “We are delighted to have Lucy Jo and Michaela representing on our Strictly Learn to Dance panel of judges. Their support is highly valued and will certainly be an added attraction to this already spectacular event. Having the support of local celebrities endorsing our events is such a privilege and adds a red carpet feel to our fundraising.”

Twenty amateur dancing couples are in the middle of 13 weeks training and practising for the final live show which will taking place on April 14 at The Whites Hotel.

There, they will showcase their social foxtrot, quickstep and one of four specialist dances; Salsa, Cha-Cha, Argentine Tango and Rock ‘N’ Roll.

One couple will be crowned Bolton Hospice’s Strictly Learn to Dance champion of 2018 and receive a highly sought-after trophy.