2026 Applications Now Open!
Popular judge of TV’s Strictly Come Dancing, Anton Du Beke, is returning to the Highlands next May as special guest judge for the 15th anniversary of dance competition Strictly Inverness, which raises funds for both Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre.
This will be Anton’s second time judging the popular contest – he was incredibly well received as celebrity judge in 2019 for the 10th anniversary Grand Finale.
Highland Hospice fundraiser Jenna Hayden said, “Anton was amazing as our celebrity judge in 2019 – at that time he was one of the professional dancers on BBC’s Strictly Come dancing. He created a huge buzz and was charming, entertaining and extremely witty. There is an added level of excitement having him back this year, as he has since joined the TV show’s judging panel!”
She added, “We are launching applications for people of any age from 18 plus to apply for the show, and know that the possibility of performing dance routines in front of Anton at our Saturday night final will be a huge draw.”
Karen McBey, Commercial Manager of Inverness Ice Centre said, “We are so excited to reach 15 years of Strictly Inverness. The competition keeps going from strength to strength and its longevity is testament to its popularity. The event has raised a net total of almost £3 million, shared between the two charities, since the very first show back in 2010 which is just phenomenal!”
“We are all so excited to see Anton back again – the audience fell in love with him on his last visit and this really is a case of “back by popular demand!”
Next year’s shows will run from Wednesday 13 to Saturday 16 May, taking place in Inverness Ice Centre, and 32 competitors are required; all must have little or no previous dance experience.
All successful applicants will learn two individual dances and one group dance – attending three hours a week of dance lessons for 12 weeks between January and May, whilst raising valuable funds for the two benefitting charities.
The show’s format begins with a launch show featuring talent from various Highland dance schools. On Thursday and Friday nights, eight couples perform two individual and one group dance and the top four from each night go through to Saturday’s Grand Finale where the winning couple will be crowned
Anyone who would like to apply should click here to fill out an application form.
Applications close on Monday 27th October.
