A firefighter, cricketer and musician are among the men gearing up to take part in this year’s Strictly Northampton.
The charity dance contest, sponsored by Fong Spa, will take place at the Royal & Derngate theatre on Saturday, November 23.
The contestants, who are all from the town or surrounding villages, will be paired with professional dancers to perform in front of a panel of judges and a packed theatre.
Firefighter Martin Parsons will aim to light up the dance floor on the night.
The 27-year-old said: “I was drunk when I agreed to do this but I thought why not and when I was told it was for charity that helped it along.
“I have never danced before and I definitely feel like I am going to be making a fool of myself but I quite like making a fool of myself. When it’s for charity you have got to put yourself out there.
“It’s something that will put me out of my comfort zone. Being a firefighter you have to have the confidence to put yourself in a position that you are not really comfortable in. This is completely different.”
Northants County cricketer Steven Crook usually spends his off-season teaching primary school children about his sport but this year will spend time practising his steps for the show.
He said: “It seems like a fantastic event and it’s a fantastic cause. I have never danced apart from at Auntie Ruth’s or Nbs on a night out so it sounds really exciting. I am a bit nervous and it is so different to what I am used to.
“I have got no expectations whatsoever. I just want to have the experience and a bit of fun.”
Councillor Tony Ansell (Con, Abington), who owns The Park Cafe in Abington and All Saints Church Bistro, is pleased to be raising money for a cause close to his heart.
He said: “I like to help out as and when I can. I never like to say no. At the end of my mother’s life she would go to day visits to Cynthia Spencer Hospice and I remember the great warmth the place gave her and us as a family.”
He added: “My two sisters used to dance and my father used to watch Strictly Come Dancing. My sisters won medals and cups. I remember receiving a certificate but I think they felt sorry for me. Who knows if dancing runs in the family. I used to love waltzing and jiving but it’s many a year since I’ve jumped onto the dance floor.”
Celebrity fitness consultant, Lee Andrew, knows he can keep up the pace but isn’t sure about the steps.
He said: “I said I would do it but I had no idea what I had signed myself up for at first. I have never danced before. If I go out and have had a drink I will let loose.
“Fitness-wise this is no problem but technically it will be a different story. I will have to see if I can loosen my hips up.
“I’m competitive but I am not in it to win it. I will try my hardest but it’s about the taking part and it’s for a good cause.”
Former Old Northamptonians rugby player, Keiran O’Connor, is back to fitness after shattering his kidney in a freak accident on the pitch.
The 22-year-old is looking forward to taking on a new challenge, and added: “It sounded like a laugh and it’s for a good cause. It’s been a good recovery and the amount of support I have had has been overwhelming.
“There’s not much rhythmn involved in rugby. I am not a natural dancer.”
He added: “My friend’s dad lost his battle to cancer last year and a group of 10 of us did the Cycle for Cynthia bike ride at Althorp in his memory. I am glad to be supporting the hospice again.”
James Nunn, who owns JND Home and Property Maintenance company, said: “I like to get involved in the local community. I thought this would be a really good opportunity. It’s a challenge and for a great cause. I know a lot of people who have been treated in Cynthia Spencer Hospice. “
He added: “I have never danced before apart from in a nightclub and my wife would say very badly. It’s going to require more than a bravery pill and I am nervous at the minute. I will take it seriously and I am very competitive. I want to win it.”
Musician Joe Church, who plays in local band Odd Child, will follow in the footsteps of his dad, businessman Stephen Church, who took part in the contest two years ago.
He said: “I was preceded by my dad and I have seen how enthusiastic he now is about dance. I have been able to see how it has affected him and that’s why I wanted to get involved. I have two older sisters who went to ballet as children and I got dragged along too for about two years but I can’t remember any of it.
“I am in it to win it. I am a competitive person. I want to exceed my ability. I will be getting tips from my Dad.
“It’s a massive benefit that I get to raise so much money for charity. It is going to make me so much more motivated.”
Neal Rooney, artistic desginer at Outcast Hair Salon, said: “Outcast has been involved in Strictly since the start and it was my turn to have a go at it. I have been to watch it every year and done the contestants’ hair backstage.
“Everyone was nervous before they went on but it’s not put me off. I want to beat the others from Outcast who have been in it. I have never danced before. I used to go out dancing when I was a bit younger. I am a bit nervous but I am looking forward to it and I think it will be fun. It’s for a really good cause.”
Strictly Northampton is raising money for Cynthia Spencer Hospice and all the profits from the show will go to the appeal. Tickets are now on sale and more than 700 tickets have already been snapped up for what is expected to be another sell-out show. Editor David Summers said: “It was a phenomenal response and just shows the popularity of dance shows, our thanks to everyone who has bought tickets so far.”
Royal & Derngate Box office: 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk