IT'S a hit television show which has swept the nation off its feet - and now the stars of the airwaves are preparing to cha-cha-cha for charity.

Lizzie Parry

IT'S a hit television show which has swept the nation off its feet - and now the stars of the airwaves are preparing to cha-cha-cha for charity.

BBC Radio Suffolk launches its own version of Strictly Come Dancing - called Dancers in Need - this morning on Mark Murphy's breakfast show.

The competition, featuring 14 broadcasters, will involve mastering the fine art of the waltz and the quickstep, amongst others, in aid of the BBC's Children in Need charity.

Organiser Rob Dunger said: “It will be glamour and absolute style mixed with fun and nervous energy. “Most of the competitors are complete beginners who have only a matter of weeks to get to performance standard.”

The coming weeks will be a whirl of spandex and sparkles as the volunteers and their partners fit in as much practice time as possible before the final at the Spa Pavilion Theatre in Felixstowe on November 12.

The brave team of volunteers include Mark Murphy, Rob Dunger, Lesley Dolphin, James Hazell, Luke Deal, Stephen Foster, Graeme McLoughlin, Norman Lloyd, Sally Goodwin, Emily Anderson, Nigel Lungley, Alison Acton, Kate Arkell, and Linda Walker.

Their partners and all tuition are being provided by the Ipswich School of Dancing free of charge.

The live competition will involve three elimination stages, judged by three local professional dance judges.

Julie Howes, general manager of the Spa Pavilion, said: “Children in Need is such a fantastic charity so when approached by BBC Suffolk to host Dancers in Need, I immediately said yes.

“The Spa Pavilion has a capacity of 900 so we are aiming for a sell-out to ensure we raise as much money as we possibly can. It promises to be a highly entertaining evening with plenty of dancing, live music and singing from local singer and actress Suzie Lowe.”

Tickets for the show are available from the Spa Pavilion box office on 01394 282126 at £10 a seat. All profits will go to BBC Children in Need.