The contestants have been revealed for Southport’s most glittering event of the year – Strictly Queenscourt!
Ten determined dancers are training hard to put on a show-stopping performance in the grand 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 support each of our dancers by donating to their Just Giving Pages – Strictly Queenscourt 2026! – JustGiving
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.
Queenscourt Hospice Fundraising Manager Liz Hartley said:
“Strictly Queenscourt returns for its fourth dazzling year on Saturday 14th November 2026!
“After three unforgettable sell-out events, we’re back with even more sparkle, sequins, and show-stopping moves!
“We’re delighted to return to the stunning Prince of Wales Hotel for what promises to be another spectacular evening of fundraising and fun.
“The dress code for guests is ‘Dress to Impress’ and a little bit of extra sparkle is always recommended.
“And remember…Keeeep Dancing!”
This year’s contestants are:
Claire Mills
Introducing Claire Mills and Olivia, they will be taking on the Rumba!
Claire said: “From RADA to Holby City, from interior design to the glittering world of ballroom dancing, my journey has taken me into some wonderfully unexpected places.
“It was at the Queenscourt Hospice International Women’s Day event that I first truly discovered the incredible work of Queenscourt.
“The room was filled with inspiring women, extraordinary stories and an overwhelming sense of community.
“To now have the opportunity to be part of this very special charity event is a complete honour and I’m delighted to be able to contribute, in my own small way, to the remarkable work Queenscourt does for local people and their families.”
Support Claire: Claire Mills is fundraising for Queenscourt Hospice
Craig Billington
Introducing Craig and Kaz, they will be dancing the Quickstep!
Craig said: “I’m taking part in Strictly this year in memory of my beautiful Mum, who we lost to a brain tumour in January of this year.
“She loved Strictly and Queenscourt supported her and our family at the end of her life, so I was made up to be approached.
“I’m really looking forward to having my friends and family supporting me on the night as they have all year.
“It’s been such a tough year but I’m really excited to be giving a little bit back to Queenscourt by performing.
“I’m certainly no Strictly buff, but I am full of energy day to day, so anything quick and bouncy gets my attention!”
Support Craig: Craig Billington is fundraising for Queenscourt Hospice
Teresa Catterall
Introducing Teresa and Ste, they will be taking on the Viennese Waltz!
Teresa Catterall is an Assistant Principal at Southport College, part of the Southport Education Group, where she leads on curriculum, planning and strategic projects.
She was inspired to take part in Strictly Queenscourt 2026 after hearing Queenscourt Hospice founder Dr Karen Groves’ powerful winner’s speech at the Grand Pride of Sefton Awards in April.
Having first-hand experience of the compassion and exceptional care provided by a local hospice, Teresa is passionate about giving back and supporting others during the most difficult times.
Support Teresa: Teresa Catterall is fundraising for Queenscourt Hospice
Rob Smallman
Introducing Rob and Poppy, they will be taking on the Salsa!
Rob, a well-known restaurateur, is no stranger to taking on challenging fundraising events to support Queenscourt, having earned his parole in the Jail and Bail event in 2023.
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 in November 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
Michelle Foster
Introducing Michelle and Keeley, they will be dancing the Cha Cha!
Michelle is hoping to bowl the audience over when she takes to the dancefloor.
She recently organised her Big Cricket Club Walk, leading a team of supporters walking between four cricket clubs in Southport to raise £2,144 towards her appeal.
The clubs involved were Southport Trinity, New Victoria, Fleetwood Hesketh and Southport & Birkdale.
Michelle, a cricket wife, a player and a mum to two under-11 players, organised the event on 13th September.
Michelle said “I’ve always loved and purchased lots of great buys from the Queenscourt Hospice charity shops over the years and being a mum of two boys they were great for buying toys!
“It’s been great getting to know lots from the Queenscourt Hospice team since attending the Southport International Women’s Day earlier this year at The Grand on Lord Street.
“As a local family and a local business we love to get involved in our amazing community and the kids are literally counting down the days until the next Star Trekk walk for Queenscourt!”
Support Michelle: Michelle Foster is fundraising for Queenscourt Hospice
Shaun Huyton
Introducing Shaun and Grace, they will be taking on the Waltz!
Shaun is the owner of his own thriving locksmith business in Southport.
He’s an expert at getting out of anything – but he’s locked into dancing for Queenscourt this November!
Shaun said: “I am the owner of Lockbusters Locksmiths, a family-run domestic and commercial property locksmiths based in Southport.
“Since visiting Queenscourt, it has always held a big place in the hearts of bothmyself and my wife Lynn. We have supported events and donated ever since.
“When I got the opportunity to take part in Strictly Queenscourt I thought how could I not!
“I have zero dance experience, but I am enjoying this experience.”
Support Shaun: Shaun Huyton is fundraising for Queenscourt Hospice
Craig Kelly
Introducing Craig and Amy, they will be dancing the Cha Cha!
Craig said: “I’m taking part in Strictly because I wanted to challenge myself, learn something completely new, and have some fun along the way.
“Dancing is definitely outside my comfort zone, but knowing it’s all for such a worthwhile cause makes every rehearsal and every step worth it!
“I’m incredibly proud to be supporting Queenscourt because of the amazing care and compassion they provide to patients and their families.
“They make such a positive difference to so many people’s lives, and I’m honoured to help raise awareness and funds so they can continue their incredible work.
“I hope everyone will get behind the event and support this fantastic charity!”
Support Craig: Craig Kelly is fundraising for Queenscourt Hospice
Kelly Stevens
Introducing Kelly and Chloe, they will be taking on the Samba!
Kelly is the multi award-winning owner of the Unique Hair & Beauty salon on Duke Street in Southport.
She won the title of the UK’s Best Bridal Hairdresser 2026 at the National Beauty Awards UK & Ireland earlier this year.
Kelly said: “I’ve chosen to support Strictly Come Dancing for many years now and have worked alongside the team at this event for the last four years.
“I’ve absolutely loved every minute, but I’ve always had a little bit of FOMO watching everyone else on the dance floor… and finally, this is my year! They’ve asked me to step onto the dance floor myself!
“I’m most looking forward to the atmosphere, meeting new people and stepping completely out of my comfort zone by doing something very different from what I normally do all while raising money for the amazing Queenscourt Hospice.”
Support Kelly: Kelly Stevens is fundraising for Queenscourt Hospice
Ryan Corlett
Introducing Ryan and Amy, they will be dancing the Salsa!
Ryan said: “I’m a multi-award-winning Site Manager at Kingswood Homes, having picked up three regional awards in just five years in the role.
“I pride myself on being hardworking, committed and always striving to do the very best I can in everything I do.
“Away from work, I’m someone who enjoys a good laugh and keeps active, whether that’s playing padel or golf. But most importantly, I love being the best dad I can be to my little girl.
“This year, I’m swapping the work boots for dancing shoes and it’s for an amazing cause!”
Support Ryan: Ryan Corlett is fundraising for Queenscourt Hospice
Aoife O’Brien
Introducing Aoife and Eden, they will be taking on the Jive!
Aoife O’Brien is the Managing Director of Hurlston Hall Estate and is proud to have grown up in Scarisbrick.
Being local to the area, she’s especially honoured to be taking part in support of Queenscourt Hospice, a charity that has been a valued part of the community throughout her life.
While the dance floor is well outside her comfort zone, Aoife is excited to embrace every challenge of the training, along with all the sequins, sparkle and Strictly magic.
She can’t wait to give it her all for such an incredible cause!
Support Aoife: Aoife Obrien is fundraising for Queenscourt Hospice
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