Matthew Riley, Founder and Chairman of Daisy, said: "Our fundraising team attended the event on Friday and were blown away by the talent on stage. The dancers really got into the spirit of the competition both in their fundraising efforts and dance practice and we congratulate them on their success. Congratulations also go to the Pendleside Hospice team for organising another fantastic event." 

As with previous years, contestants were selected through an application process before being matched with their professional partners. Each pair trained for weeks under the expert guidance of Sandersons Dance & Fitness, preparing not one but two routines for the big night.  

After all couples had performed their two dances, the top two highest-scoring pairs advanced to an electrifying final dance-off, where the winners were ultimately crowned. 

The evening began with a vibrant opening performance by Burnley College dance students, who set the tone with an energetic routine that had the audience cheering from the very first beat. Midway through the event, the crowd was treated to a lively set from wedding singer Gavin Young, keeping spirits high as the competition intensified and the dancers prepared for their second routines. 

This year’s contestants were: 

• Jon Cant, event host – partnered with Emily Binyon 

• Lee Clough, works in public services – partnered with Jess Porter  

• Diana DoGood, Drag Artist – partnered with Carol Walker 

• Shelly Heap, works at EFS Logistics – partnered with Aeron Lloyd-Wren 

• Max McNulty, PE Teacher at a local college – partnered with Claire McNulty 

• Sophie Newman, Sister at Pendleside Hospice – partnered with Max Preston 

• Joe O’Brien, Sports Coach at Padiham Green Primary School – partnered with Jess Duxbury 

• Gary Scully, Builder – partnered with Yasmin Roberts 

• Lisa Sourbutts, Owner of Cube HR – partnered with Lucy Gregory 

• Eve Taylor, Headteacher at Holly Grove Primary School – partnered with Henry Beale 

Lee said: “This has been the best experience of my life and I’ve been lucky to share it with nine other fabulous contestants. A big thank you to everyone who supported us.”  

The night also showcased the dedication of Pendleside Hospice’s fundraising team, led by Event Organiser Sarah Holdsworth, who supported each dancer’s individual fundraising efforts and ensured the event ran seamlessly from start to finish. 

Sarah said:“The community spirit shown through Pendleside Does Strictly never ceases to amaze me. Our dancers, our professionals, our volunteers, sponsors, staff, and supporters, every single one of them plays a vital role.” 

Pendleside Hospice has officially announced that Pendleside Does Strictly will return in 2026, on Friday 13th November and applications are now open for those eager to take on the challenge.