Strictly Knot Dancing smashes fundraising record

Strictly Knot Dancing raised more than £200,000 for Dougie Mac as the charity ballroom and Latin dance competition returned to The King’s Hall in Stoke-on-Trent on Friday 6th November. Organisers Knot Events CIC are still finalising the total, which has already surpassed the £145,000 raised at last year’s inaugural event.

Shanie Chaudry-Goodall of M Investment Group lifted the glitterball trophy alongside professional partner Cameron Robinson following their performance to ‘Feeling Good’. Stuart Heath of Red Earth Farm and Claire Garner of JCB also secured places in the top three.

The evening saw 12 contestants from Staffordshire’s local business community take to the dance floor with their professional partners. After months of rehearsing and fundraising, they performed in front of more than 600 people and, for the first time, viewers could watch the show and vote from home. A Dougie Mac tombola provided another opportunity for guests to support the charity on the night.

Shanie Chaudry-Goodall, Strictly Knot Dancing 2026 winner, said:

“I’m still taking it all in. Hearing my name called and lifting the glitterball was a moment I’ll never forget. I’m so grateful to everyone who cheered me on, voted and donated. We all put so much into our dances, and I’m incredibly proud that together we’ve helped raise more than £200,000 for Dougie Mac.”

Sarah Mellor, Strictly Knot Dancing organiser, said:

“We’re still finalising the total, but we already know Friday night raised more than £200,000 for Dougie Mac. After raising £145,000 last year, we knew how much it would take to go even further. Our contestants gave up months of their time to rehearse and fundraise, and our dance professionals, volunteers, sponsors and everyone who donated made this possible. I’m so grateful to every one of them. The money they’ve raised will help Dougie Mac continue caring for local people and their families when they need it most.”

Hannah Ault of Knot Events CIC said:

“It was an amazing evening, and we’re so proud of every contestant. We’ve seen how much practice and hard work has gone into each performance, alongside all their fundraising efforts. We’re incredibly grateful to them and their professional partners for their time and commitment, and to everyone who supported them. To bring so many people together and raise this amount for such a worthy cause is something everyone involved can be proud of.”

Knot Events CIC thanked everyone who came along to The King’s Hall, tuned in from home, voted or donated. The organisers also thanked the volunteers, hosts Martin Tideswell and Josie Morris, and the judges who helped bring the show to life.

Strictly Come Dancing champions Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova returned to the judging panel alongside David Webster, Chief Executive of Dougie Mac, and head judge Ollie Hand of The Sanctuary Dance School.

Knot Events CIC also thanked its event partners, The Sanctuary Dance School, the University of Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Prem Management and Inspired Film & Video. The Sanctuary Dance School brought together the professional dancers and supported the contestants through their training.

Knot Events CIC thanked DJH, the event’s headline sponsor, for its support.

Fundraising remains open, with the final total yet to be confirmed. It’s still possible to support Dougie Mac by donating through the official Strictly Knot Dancing 2026 JustGiving campaign. Donate on JustGiving