A Strictly Come Dancing style competition has raised £18,000 for charity.

“Strictly Come Hospice” was won by dance partners Roddy Simm, 50, and Debbie Simm, 56, who beat 19 other couples.

Roddy said: “It was a huge shock. It’s incredible to think that only seven weeks ago, I hardly could coordinate two/three dancing moves.”

Hillingdon Times:

Contestants spent seven Sundays under tuition from Paul Alex dance studios before performing the Tango and Cha Cha Cha in front of more than 400 people at the Watersmeet Theatre, Rickmansworth.

The money will go to Peace Hospice Care, which supports families who are facing life-limiting illnesses.

Judges were dancer and teacher Fay Benoy, Paul Alex, from Paul Alex Dance Studios; Declan Carroll, of Peace Hospice Care, and Dan Dark, managing director at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden.

They were all “dazzled” by the couple’s Cha Cha Cha perfomance.

Following his and Debbie’s victory, Roddy said: “It was quite remarkable and a huge shock to go and win this.

“I am a complete novice and I was honestly blown away to go and win the whole thing.

Hillingdon Times:

“It is incredible to think, that only seven weeks ago, I hardly could coordinate two or three dancing moves together and here now in this short period we’ve managed to scoop the top prize. That said, we had two of the most patient and wonderful tutors, coaching us through this experience.

“It was certainly nerve-wracking but a great experience and for such an amazing cause as well. We enjoyed it immensely and have met some wonderful people.”

Together, the pair managed to raise £800 for Peace Hospice Care, who support families who are facing life-limiting illnesses.