Strictly Northampton founder Andrzej Mialkowski joins Cynthia Spencer Hospice’s Anita Frith as the dance fundraiser returns home for 2025.

After a glittering detour, Northampton’s much-loved dance fundraiser is coming home.

Strictly Northampton 2025, the annual dance spectacular founded by professional dancer Andrzej Mialkowski, is once again teaming up with Cynthia Spencer Hospice — pledging half of this year’s fundraising total to the charity that has captured so many local hearts.

Since its debut in 2010, the show has seen thousands of Northamptonshire residents swap their everyday shoes for ballroom heels, raising millions for good causes along the way. And for more than a decade, one of those causes has been Cynthia Spencer Hospice — with over £400,000 already raised to support its vital care.

Last year, Strictly Northampton briefly changed tempo, partnering with Air Ambulance. But for 2025, the spotlight swings back to Cynthia Spencer — and there’s a new twist. Andrzej has invited Anita Frith, the hospice’s Director of Income Generation and Communications, to join the judging panel.

“I’m delighted to have been asked to be a judge for this fantastic event,” Anita said. “I’ve always been impressed by the calibre of the dancers, and I have no doubt this year will be full of top talent. I’ll be channelling my inner Motsi Mabuse – definitely not Craig Revel Horwood!”

She added, “We’re so grateful to Andrzej and Step by Step for continuing their support. The funds raised make such an incredible difference to the care we provide.”

Andrzej, who continues to run his Step by Step dance school, will use the other half of the proceeds to invest in nurturing future dance stars — a fitting balance of passion and purpose.

“It’s a great pleasure to continue our work with Cynthia Spencer Hospice,” he said. “The hospice is an incredible gift to our community, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together. Having Anita on the judging panel will make this year’s show even more special.”

So, if you fancy a night of sequins, samba and heartfelt community spirit, Strictly Northampton 2025 promises all that and more.

Find out how you can support Cynthia Spencer Hospice at cynthiaspencer.org.uk/how-you-can-help-us.