Southport restaurateur Rob Smallman says “the nerves are kicking in” as he looks to dish up a mouth-watering performance at Strictly Queenscourt.
Rob, who has run popular local venues including La Tabella in Churchtown Village and Rueters in Southport town centre, believes dancing with his piece, Poppy, will be his recipe for success.
He said: “The nerves are kicking in now and I am starting to wonder what I’ve done!
“The rehearsals have gone ok. I have just got to hold it together at the event!
“I am so very proud of my niece, Poppy, who is my dancer and has put me through my paces.
“I am very proud to have beaten my fundraising target and to be part of a great group of people doing an amazing job raising money for Queenscourt Hospice this year.”
Rob is no stranger to taking on challenging fundraising events to support Queenscourt Hospice, having earned his parole in the Jail and Bail event in 2023 – some say spending time behind bars was his just desserts.
Rob said: “I’m sure some will remember me from the 2000’s and the Rueters days or of late at La Tabella in the heart of Churchtown Village, which now has been transformed into Stakd Bar & Grill.
“I am looking forward to dancing the night away at the Prince of Wales Hotel and hopefully not making too much of a fool of myself!
“Hopefully I will see some of you there encouraging all of us taking part in what I’m sure will be a great event for a great cause.”
Support Rob: Robert Smallman is fundraising for Queenscourt Hospice
Rob Smallman is among ten determined dancers who are in tip-top condition to put on show-stopping performances in the beautiful ballroom at The Prince Of Wales Hotel on Lord Street in Southport on Saturday 14th November 2026.
They are all taking part to raise as many funds as they can to support Queenscourt Hospice, which provides compassionate care to thousands of families across Southport, Formby and West Lancashire.
This year’s dancers are: Aoife O’Brien; Ryan Corlett; Kelly Stevens; Craig Kelly; Shaun Huyton; Craig Billington; Michelle Foster; Rob Smallman; Claire Mills; and Teresa Catterall.
You can dominate via the Strictly Queenscourt 2026! JustGiving page here: Strictly Queenscourt 2026! – JustGiving
Last year’s winners were Adam Mackin and Megan Hosker.
This event is proudly sponsored by: Southport Education Group; Kingswood Homes; Hurlston Hall; and Kirkwood Wilson.
Tickets for Strictly Queenscourt 2026 have sadly sold out already.
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