Waltz a good idea... it’s Strictly for the people
STRICTLY Come Dancing profes- sionals have urged the BBC to make a version of the hit show featuring members of the public.
Their call comes after contestants on a charity special inspired them with tales of selfl essness and determination.
Six everyday heroes feature next week in the fi rst People’s Strictly for Comic Relief.
The winner will be announced during Red Nose Day on March 13.
It is the fi rst time members of the public have had the chance take part in Strictly since it began in 2004. The contestants’ stories had such an impact on the professional dancers – reducing some to tears – they want the format to return.
Natalie Lowe, 34, said: “I think they should do two a year.”
One of the contestants, Strictly super fan Heather Parsons, quit her job to set up a charity supporting intensive care patients after she caught a fl esh- eating bug and nearly died.
Heather, 53, a single mother from Southampton, was on holiday with her son Will, then aged seven, when she fell ill.
She believes her love for him pulled her through, so when she recovered she set up the Where’s There’s A Will charity.
Another hopeful, Michael Pattie, 57, of Dumfries, lost his teenage son Dave to meningitis. He was nominated for the four- part series after raising £ 300,000 for the Meningitis Research Foundation.
Dancer Aliona Vilani, 30, who partners him, said: “I think people would absolutely love to see special people like Michael do Strictly.
“I think this should defi nitely happen each year.”
The People’s Strictly begins on February 25 on BBC One at 9pm.