WITH the ever-popular Strictly Come Dancing back on TV, dance fans in Bolton are being urged to “quickstep” forward for the real thing.

Bolton Hospice is launching its Strictly Learn to Dance competition for 2015, which will see novices transformed into sequin-clad superstars in just 10 weeks before performing at a showpiece final.

Last year’s competition, which was eventually won by Bolton News reporter Liam Thorp and his dance partner Cathy Brown, raised £19,000 towards patient care at the hospice in Chorley New Road.

Those brave enough to take up the challenge will be given professional dance lessons courtesy of the A Touch of Class dance studio, in Little Lever, and its head teacher, Teresa Croasdale.

Hospice events manager Maria Passarello said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to have a taste of the Strictly experience whilst raising money towards specialist palliative care in Bolton.

“Everyone who took part last year thoroughly enjoyed it.” The first get-together for new competitors is on Monday, November 17.

One hopeful who has already signed up is Debra Graham who worked for the hospice for 16 years.

She said: “As a child I attended the Bert Mayo School of Ballroom Dancing in Bark Street and used to love the classes.

“The BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing has rekindled my interest in ballroom dancing and so I am delighted to be taking part this year in support of a cause that I am proud to have been a part of.”

To take part, contact Maria or Siobhan on 01204 663055 exttension 3 or email maria.passarello@boltonhospice.org

BOLTON News Reporter Liam Thorp explains why signing up for Strictly Learn to Dance was such a positive thing to do...

 “When I was kindly ‘encouraged’ to take part in the competition by my news editor last year, I entered with a combination of fear, distress and anxiety.

Within a few weeks, however, the teachers at A Touch of Class had made me feel really comfortable on the dance floor and I started to believe that I wouldn’t make a complete fool of myself.

A lot of credit goes to my dance partner, Cathy, who devised much of our winning routine with the teachers and also put up with several bruised toes thanks to my clumsy size 11s.

Our final event at the Macron stadium was incredible, with 700 people cheering us on.

To this day I still can’t quite believe that we won the competition, although my Bolton News colleagues are reminded of it every day as my trophy remains in pride of place on my desk.

I would recommend signing up to anyone, it was a fantastic experience and I met some brilliant people — not to mention I can still crack out a few moves on drunken nights with friends.”