Applications now open for the popular dance extravaganza held in aid of Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre.
Charity fundraising competition Strictly Inverness will return in 2025 for its fourteenth year, raising funds for both Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre.
Applications for the event, which will take place from 14-17 May 2024 in Inverness Ice Centre, are now open, closing on Monday 28 October 2024.
The benefiting charities have announced celebrity guest judge Amy Dowden from BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, will join the judging panel on Saturday's Grand Final on Saturday 17 May.
Highland Hospice fundraiser Carrie Macdonald commented, "For us, Amy was first choice when it came to selecting our guest judge for next year's competition. The nation's Strictly Come Dancing fans have closely followed Amy's cancer journey over the past couple of years, wishing her well in her recovery. It's been incredible to see her back on our TV screens for this year's series - she has huge appeal, not only to Strictly fans but to our many supporters who have, like Amy, had experience of cancer or other conditions."
"We are delighted to be welcoming Amy to Inverness and look forward to showing her around the Hospice and introducing her to our patients."
The charity hosts are looking for good applications from men and ladies who would like to strut their stuff in front of Amy next May. Competitors need is to be over 18, have little or no dance experience - and, most importantly, be prepared to give fundraising your absolute everything for both Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre.
Strictly Inverness is the biggest fundraising event held annually for both Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre. Last year's four-night extravaganza raised an incredible £300,000. Previous celebrity guest judges for the Saturday final have been Giovanni Pernice, Aljaz Scorjanec & Janette Manrana, Anton du Beke and Flavia Cacace-Mistry.
Thirty-two novices are brought on board, partnered with each other and then trained by an expert group of dance tutors, between January and May. Couples will perform in front of an audience of 600 people and a panel of judges on either the Thursday or Friday semi-finals, resulting in the final eight couples battling it in Saturday's Grand Final to determine the overall winner.
For the second year running, the competition will include same-sex couples.
Carrie concludes, "If you are fancying doing something completely different next year, fill out that form! It's a unique and satisfying experience, raising funds for two worthy causes and getting to know a whole new group of people. Everyone who dances and fundraises is a winner, so go on - give it a go!"
To apply to dazzle on the dancefloor next year, please click here.
* You can see Amy in action every Saturday and Sunday evening on BBC Strictly Come Dancing
