Strictly Knot Dancing contestants raise more than £75,000 with three weeks to go

With three weeks to go on Friday until Strictly Knot Dancing returns to The King’s Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, its twelve contestants have already raised more than £75,000 for Dougie Mac. The event brings Staffordshire’s business community together for an evening of dance and fundraising in support of local people and families.

Following last year’s inaugural event, which raised £145,000, this year’s contestants are hoping to match that remarkable total. They represent businesses and organisations across the county and have spent months balancing rehearsals with their day jobs and fundraising efforts. Each has taken on the challenge of learning to dance while raising as much as possible for Dougie Mac.

Returning to the judging panel are Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova, Strictly Come Dancing champions who lifted the glitterball in consecutive years and have six Strictly trophies between them. Their dance careers also include British and UK championship titles and international choreography work. They will be joined by David Webster, Chief Executive of Dougie Mac, and head judge Ollie Hand, owner of The Sanctuary Dance School. Ollie has been instrumental in bringing together the professional dancers and developing the dancing element of the event.

The contestants are being coached by professional dancers Cameron and Viktoriia Robinson, Matt and Beth Keeble, and Max Appleby and Beth Gardiner. Knot Events is organising the event with support from Ollie Hand and The Sanctuary Dance School.

Julie Mirowski of Rydale Roofing & Jenny Johnston of KMF are both taking part as contestants while also serving on the Knot Events team, bringing a personal connection to both the fundraising and the event organisation.

David Webster, Chief Executive of Dougie Mac, said:

“More than £70,000 raised with three weeks to go is a fantastic achievement. We are incredibly grateful to every contestant, sponsor, volunteer and supporter who has helped make this possible. The funds raised will help us continue providing specialist care and support to local people and their families. I’m looking forward to returning to the judging panel and seeing the contestants take to the dance floor.”

Julie Mirowski of Rydale Roofing, a contestant and member of the Knot Events team, said:

“As part of Knot Events, I know how much work goes into bringing the evening together. This year I’m also taking on the challenge as a contestant, so I’ll get to experience the nerves and excitement for myself. To see the contestants already raise more than £75,000 for Dougie Mac is incredible, and we’d love to match last year’s £145,000.”

Strictly Knot Dancing takes place on Friday 6 November 2026 at The King’s Hall, Stoke-on-Trent. The evening will be hosted once again by Martin Tideswell and Josie Morris, with performances from the contestants and fundraising in support of Dougie Mac.

Balcony tickets are currently available from https://StrictlyKnotDancing2026.eventbrite.com