A LIFE-SAVING charity is hoping to raise vital funds by hosting a glamorous Strictly Come Dancing evening.

The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, which is based in Earls Colne, is hosting the evening at Charter Hall in Colchester on Saturday, March 25.

Usually a sell-out event, it will see performances from celebrity professional dancers Pasha Kovalev and Chloe Hewitt from the famous Strictly Come Dancing TV show.

Pasha and Chloe will also form part of the judging panel, joining EHAAT chief executive officer Jane Gurney, Pro Latin dancer, Ben Milan Vega, and head judge Phil Meacham of Chelmsford Dance Centre. 

The show will also be hosted for the first time by EHAAT’s patron and Celebrity MasterChef champion Lisa Snowdon alongside ITV Presenter David Whiteley.

With all the glitz and glamour, the show will follow the same familiar format most will recognise from the popular TV show.

In an attempt to impress the judges with their Latin and Ballroom routines, six contestants and their professional partners will give it their all on the dance floor, and one couple will walk away with the glitter ball trophy and the title of Strictly Air Ambulance Champions 2023.

Tickets cost between £20 and £27.50 for the main event.

There is also an opportunity for an extra £10, to rub shoulders with the stars of the show, grab a bite to eat and dance to the strictly DJ, at the after-show party that takes place from 10.30pm till 12.30am.

An avid dancer since her childhood, EHAAT’s boss Ms Gurney, is delighted that Strictly Air Ambulance is returning and said: ”This is a brilliant opportunity to enjoy some spectacular dancing and entertainment, whilst at the same time helping us to continue our vital work as a charity across the region.

“Although we are very excited about our celebrities, let's not forget the evening is a fundraising event to support the pre-hospital emergency services we provide to our local communities.

"Our six contestants have been paired with professional dancers and have already been given their dances.

"They are now hard at work as they prepare to battle it out for the glitter ball trophy."

Tickets are now on sale for the show and can be purchased by visiting www.colchester-events.co.uk.