ALL ready to rumba and create a salsa storm on the dancefloor, Oldham's very own answer to ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ can reveal the contestants for this year's spectacular showdown for Dr Kershaw's Hospice.

Strictly Kershaw's will waltz back into the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Friday, November 2 and tinkled-toed volunteers from across the borough are already being put through their paces.

Experienced dancers from the Shaw-based Madd for Dance will be the mentors to the competitors under the watchful eyes of owners Sean Madden and his wife Carol.

Those putting themselves in the spotlight for 2018 are headteacher Michelle Dickens, Claire Egerton from O’Donnell Solicitors, Oldham officer PC Damieon Hartley-Pickles, Home Instead manager Mike Sheehan, Heyside Cricket Club chairman Joe Warburton and owner of the Ree Ming Chinese takeaway in Royton, Kwok Wong.

Principal of four schools - including Alt Academy - Michelle was inspired to take part to raise money for Dr Kershaw's after her mum was cared for at the hospice before passing away in 2016.

Having just turned 50, she says she is excited at the prospect of dancing a Salsa and Rumba in a Latin dress custom made by her sister.

Damieon - aka PC Pickles - is swapping the beat for the Paso Doble and is hoping to place anywhere but last on the leaderboard!

He says he can’t wait for his wife to see his new and improved moves and to continue to help raise funds for one of Oldham Police’s favourite charity.

By his own admission, Joe is usually more prone to 'dad dancing' but he'll be turning his feet to Salsa and Tango.

Mick ‘Twinkle Toes’ Sheehan is eager to perfect his Charleston and believes he is in with a good chance of snatching the Dr Kershaw’s Glitterball trophy.

Dancing the Tango and Rumba, Claire loves a challenge and is determined to make her dad and Strictly Kershaw dance partner proud. After losing her mum and auntie to cancer, Dr Kershaw’s is a cause close to her heart.

Owner of popular Chinese takeaway Ree Ming, Kwok hopes to Cha Cha and Foxtrot his way to the top.

A Kershaw's Colour Blast regular, Kwok enjoys dancing but confesses he has never done anything like this before.

The star performers have been paired up with their dance partners and started regular rehearsals to build up their routines.

Choreographer Sean said: “We are delighted to be able to support Strictly Kershaw’s again this year. Our dancers really enjoy working with the competitors.

“It is a big commitment from both our team and those who are learning to dance but they will really enjoy the experience and do something that they never thought they would be able to achieve – dance in front of hundreds of people.”

First performed in 2015, the dance-off has proved a big hit with hospice supporters.

Previous competitors include Oldham RL chairman Chris Hamilton, former leader of Oldham Council, Councillor Jean Stretton, and former editor of the Oldham Chronicle David Whaley, now the hospice’s income generation and communications manager.

Previous winners of the much coveted Kershaw’s glitterball are Jenny McDermott, owner of The Edge Hair Salon in Lees and wife of former international rugby league player Barrie McDermott in 2015; Kershaw’s Crooners choirmaster Paul Firth in 2016 and last year's winner was, Andy Donnelly, operations controller at Spectrum Brands.

As well as the six pairs, who each dance twice, there will be a ballroom dance demonstration and a performance by local group Fierce Dance.

Tickets for Strictly Kershaw’s are £40 including a two-course meal are now available by calling the hospice fundraising team on 0161 624 9984 or at www.drkh.org.uk/events.