Strictly Knot Dancing Returns for 2026 with New Contestants Ready to Dance for Dougie Mac

Twelve new contestants from across Staffordshire's business community preparing to swap their day jobs for dancing shoes in support of a local cause that is close to so many people's hearts.

Following the phenomenal success of last year's event, which raised an incredible £145,000 for the Dougie Mac Hospice, Strictly Knot Dancing is officially back for 2026.

Representing a diverse range of businesses and organisations from across the county, this year's contestants have volunteered to step well outside their comfort zones, dedicating the next few months to learning to dance and raising vital funds for the Dougie Mac Hospice before taking to the stage at The King's Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, on Friday 6th November 2026.

The 2026 contestants officially began their Strictly journey this week as they gathered for their first Meet & Greet with the professional dancers. It was the first opportunity for the contestants to meet one another and begin what promises to be an unforgettable few months of fundraising, rehearsals and plenty of hard work ahead of the live show.

The contestants taking to the dance floor this year are:

• Shanie Chaudry-Goodall, M Investment Group
• Jenny Johnston, KMF Group
• Claire Garner, JCB
• Karen McKenzie, Dougie Mac
• Julie Mirowski, Rydale Roofing
• Claire Chidlow, HTC Solutions Ltd
• Matt Holdcroft, Holdcroft Heating
• Gabriel Daniels, The Hair House
• Matt Hustwit, DJH
• Stuart Elford, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
• Stuart Heath, Red Earth Farm
• Mark Inskip, RBC Brewin Dolphin

2026 Strictly Knot Dancing Contestants – (L to R) Matt Hustwit, Claire Chidlow, Gabriel Daniels, Julie Mirowski, Matt Holdcroft, Mark Inskip, Shanie Chaudry-Goodall, Stuart Elford, Claire Garner, Jenny Johnston, Karen McKenzie & Stuart Heath.

Supporting the contestants throughout their journey will be an exceptional team of professional dancers, including Cameron & Viktoriia Robinson, Matt & Beth Keeble, and Max Appleby & Beth Gardner, who will coach, inspire and
prepare the contestants for their performances.

Behind the scenes, the event is once again being brought together by the dedicated Knot Events team, with invaluable support from Ollie Hand and everyone at The Sanctuary Dance School. Their passion, expertise and commitment will help guide the contestants throughout their dance journey and ensure another spectacular evening of entertainment, all in aid of the Dougie Mac Hospice.

The live event will take place on Friday 6th November 2026 at The King's Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, where contestants will perform in front of a packed audience and a panel of judges, all while raising vital funds for the hospice.

Tickets are expected to sell quickly and will be released in the coming weeks.
Jenny Johnston, People and Culture Manager at KMF Group, said:

"Last year's winner has certainly set the standard, so there's a little bit of pressure! Watching my boss win the competition has definitely inspired me, and I'd love nothing more than to be just as successful. More importantly though, I'm excited to take on the challenge, learn something completely new and raise as much money as possible for the Dougie Mac Hospice. It's such an incredible local charity, and I can't wait to get started."

David Webster, Chief Executive of the Dougie Mac Hospice, said:

"Strictly Knot Dancing has become one of the highlights of our fundraising calendar. Last year's incredible £145,000 has already helped us continue providing specialist care and support to local people and their families when they need us most. We simply couldn't achieve this without the dedication of every contestant, sponsor, volunteer and supporter involved.

"I'm delighted to be returning to the judging panel this year and I'm really looking forward to watching our new contestants develop over the coming months. There will no doubt be plenty of laughs, a few nerves and some fantastic performances along the way. I wish every contestant the very best of luck... and may the best dancer win!"

Strictly Knot Dancing has quickly established itself as one of Staffordshire's most anticipated charity events, bringing together the county's business community for an evening of outstanding entertainment while raising vital funds for the Dougie Mac Hospice.

Tickets for Strictly Knot Dancing 2026 will be released shortly.
Follow the official Strictly Knot Dancing social media channels for the latest contestant updates, fundraising news and ticket announcements.