EMMERDALE stars will be ditching the wellies and slipping on the dancing shoes for a star-studded night of tripping the light fantastic for Dr Kershaw's Hospice.

For months a host of Emmerdale actors plus former The Real Housewives of Cheshire star and wife of Wes Brown, Leanne Brown, have been samba'ing and tango'ing in rehearsals for a Celebrity Dance spectacular.

Taking place on June 30 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, it will feature Samantha Giles, who plays Bernice, Michelle Hardwick, who plays Vanessa and Mike Parr, who is Ross in the soap.

Actor Chris Chittell, who plays Emmerdale rogue Eric Pollard, will be hosting the extravaganza.

Joe Warren-Plant (Jacob Gallagher), Amy Walsh, who is Tracy Metcalfe in the soap and sister to Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh, Laura Norton (Kerry), Liam Fox (Dan) and former Hollyoaks’ actor Greg Kelly will also be quick-stepping out onto the dancefloor - and all in memory off former Dr Kershaw's patient Russ Burns, from High Crompton, who was cared for and died at the hospice last year.

Russ's dying wish inspired his wife June to organise the event after he told her she had to raise funds for the hospice in recognition of the excellent treatment he received from their at home service and as an inpatient just days before he died.

Less than a year later she rounded up the impressive list of celebrities and, along with her friend Julie Garrity, is poised for the show-stopper which has already sold out its Champagne VIP meet-and-greets with the celebrities.

All the TV stars have been paired with Oldham dancing talent who have been putting them through their paces ahead of the big night.

“The TV stars have been fantastic in giving up their time to take part and they have been busy making sure they know their routines for the big night which should be lots of fun," said June.

There's a double dose of dance to raise funds for Dr Kershaw's this year.

On November 2 and 3 the fourth Strictly Kershaw's will be taking place with well known Oldham faces - yet to be revealed - staging a dance-off against the backdrop of the glitzy QE Hall. Last year's brave participants including former council leader Jean Stretton and Roughyeds chairman Chris Hamilton.

Tickets are £50 each which includes a three-course meal, and are available from the hospice fundraising team on 0161 624 2727.