Strictly Come Dancing style charity event at St George's Hall to raise money for Clatterbridge Cancer Research

Aug 31 2011 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Echo

Viennese Ball St George's Hall

SEVEN well known Merseyside names were set to follow in the footsteps of John Sergeant and Kara Tointon – in a Strictly Come Dancing inspired charity showdown.

The dancers – including Walton MP Steve Rotheram and eminent liver doctor Sir Ian Gilmore – have begun a gruelling training programme for the competition at St George’s Hall.

The charity hopefuls face a nerve-racking night, as they perform in front of an audience for Clatterbridge Cancer Research.

Former Strictly contestant and footballing legend John Barnes will present the winning trophy on the night.

Mr Rotheram – who has never seen the BBC1 dancing show presented by Bruce Forsythe and Tess Daley– admitted he was not a natural on the dance floor.

He said: “I was dragged kicking and screaming into this, I have never watched the programme and I have never danced in my life. But it is for a fantastic charity and that is most important thing to me.

“I have had three lessons and it has been interesting, I feel very sorry for my world champion partner Laura, who is trying her best with me.”

The other five contestants include chair of The Royal Liverpool Hospital, Judith Greensmith, director of Andrew Collinge Hairdressing, Liz Collinge, and professional player at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, John Heggarty.