The hugely popular ‘Pendleside Does Strictly’ returned for its third consecutive year and was a sparkling success.

The glittering event brought together 10 local ‘celebrities’, each paired with a professional dancer from Sandersons Dance and Fitness, who delivered show-stopping performances that lit up the stage at Burnley’s Impact Conferencing Centre at Life Church.

So far, this year’s event has raised an incredible £53,803 for Pendleside Hospice, funds that will directly support its specialist care for patients and families across Burnley and Pendle.

More than 380 guests attended in person, while over 2,000 people livestreamed the event from home. And the victorious winner was public sector worker Lee Clough and his partner Jess Porter.

Participants and supporters pose after this year's Pendleside Does Strictly, which raised more than £50,000.

placeholder image — Participants and supporters pose after this year's Pendleside Does Strictly, which raised more than £50,000.

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 Daisy Group generously supported the event, helping to ensure that more of the money raised on the night could go straight to providing essential hospice services in the local community.

Matthew Riley, founder and chairman of Daisy, said: “Our fundraising team attended the event 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.”

Pendleside Does Strictly 2025 winner Lee Clough (pictured in the Union Jack shorts) celebrates with other contestants

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, after which the winners were ultimately crowned.

The evening began with a vibrant opening performance by Burnley College dance students. Midway through the event, the crowd was treated to a lively set from wedding singer Gavin Young.

This year’s other contestants were: Jon Cant, event host – partnered with Emily Binyon; Diana DoGood, drag artist – partnered with Carol Walker; Shelly Heap, works at EFS Logistics – partnered with Aeron Lloyd-Wren;

A 'thrilling' performance was given by these two performers at Pendleside Does Strictly 2025

Max McNulty, PE teacher – 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.

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 revealed the contest will return in 2026, on Friday, November 13.