WITH only a few months to go until Worcestershire’s charity ballroom dance competition, Worcester News has had an exclusive chat with each couple taking part.

The contestants have spoke about what encouraged them to get behind Strictly Worcestershire, why they had chosen their charity and the challenges they have faced along the journey.

Jessica Antley and Stuart Wilkes are focusing on raising mental health awareness. Stuart volunteers for Samaritans Worcester which is the charity the pair are supporting.

Jessica said: “Despite having never danced before, in my mind I pictured myself doing awesome. The reality has been massively different. Best bits are when Stuart says things like 'OMG we are actually dancing' having finally mastered four steps in a row.”

Stuart said: “When I told everyone I was taking part, they did laugh as never before in my life have I ever expressed an interest or desire to dance, let alone do it in public.”

After talking to married couple, Geoff and Sue Adams, Sue claims she managed to convince Geoff to sign up while they had been out drinking.

Sue said: “I love strictly and have mentioned to Geoff the last few years to enter. Which was always a definite ‘no chance’, however under the influence of an amount of alcohol Geoff agreed.”

The pair will be raising funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

The couple said: “Having three children and six grandchildren who are perfectly healthy it seemed like the right choice to help those less fortunate. It makes us realise just how lucky we are.”

Jason and Gaya Barnett are supporting the children’s charity New Hope Worcester. They have a family member with two disabled children and have witnessed the struggles families face with children with complex health care needs.

PF2 Health Club in Worcester have offered their facilities to provide the couple with extra practise.

The couple said: “Sat in the audience for Strictly Worcestershire 5 last year, we were so impressed about the dancers, lighting, costumes, music and everything in the glamorous event - it really inspired us to get involved.

“We don't take ourselves too seriously; it is not so much about competition, it’s more about having fun and be part of this amazing journey whilst raising money for the fantastic charities.”

The newest couple who were announced on the Strictly line up was Ela Kropornicka and Mark Evans, who are supporting Primrose Hospice in Bromsgrove. The charity provide care for people with life-limiting conditions and their families.

The couple said: “Being a Strictly Come Dancing fans for years, we've always dreamed about doing something similar but not being celebrities ourselves (nor professional dancers) - our chances were rather slim. It's a fantastic opportunity to do something exciting for ourselves and in the same time, do something great for the local community.

“We are very excited to take part in such a glamourous event, being pampered with professional hair and make-up, fake tan and splendour outfits. We can't wait and we are convinced it will be well worth our blood, sweat and tears on the dance floor.”

Chris and Matleena Haywood, managers of Astley Vineyard, were inspired to take part in Strictly Worcestershire as an escape from work life and raise funds for Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter.

They said: “We’ve been so engulfed by work since moving to the vineyard that we thought we needed to actively maintain a balanced social life. It’s so easy to get stuck into doing the necessary every single day that you forget to have fun and do something that you want. So for us, it’s a chance to spend some relaxed time together and learn a new hobby.

“We love animals. Pure and simple. Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter are only a small shelter, but their team of volunteers put so much work into making each and every pet feel loved and safe.”

Tracy and Tony Lowe are raising funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice. Tracy’s love for dancing, and Tony’s eternal optimism is what inspired the pair to sign up to Strictly Worcestershire.

The couple said: “It is difficult to imagine a more worthwhile cause than supporting children and their families in crisis and having experienced that loss ourselves.”

Speaking about their experience on Strictly, they said: “It is challenging at times, fun and laughter at other times but lots of enjoyment in the process.”

Elaine and Stuart Watt, raising money for St Paul’s Hostel, said: “It’s so great to be able to do something together as a couple as day to day can be so busy it’s hard to carve time out to do something really special together.”

Sports Martley has offered their facilities to the couple for them use to for dance practise.

The pair added: “Our two little girls come to training and both love the music and the fun side of it all and hopefully we’re inspiring them towards an active lifestyle too.

“It’s been amazing to have such a great reaction from friends and family, with a bit of giggling mixed in with the amount of fake tan and sequins that will be involved.”

Grace Walton and Jack Tingle are the youngest couple to partake in the competition,

Jack said: “My biggest fear is dropping Gracie in one of our many lifts as I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself. I’m looking forward to every minute of the day, I get the chance to become someone else for one day from the outfits I’ll be wearing to the energy that will be required to show the mood of each dance.”

The pair are raising funds for Headway Worcestershire, a charity for people who have acquired brain injuries.

Grace added: “Headway is a fantastic charity and makes a real change to people’s lives. With myself having a personal attachment to the charity due to my dad’s condition, it was no question that this was the charity we wanted to get behind.”