Hull City Council worker Graham Paddock with his dance partner Donna Piercy.
Hull City Council worker Graham Paddock with his dance partner Donna Piercy.

Glitter at the ready as Hull council worker competes for Strictly title

On a normal day, Graham Paddock works on tackling antisocial behaviour across Hull’s neighbourhoods.

Now he is donning sparkles and shining shoes as he joins 11 other amateur dancers to compete in this year’s Strictly Learn to Dance contest.

The competition, hosted each year by charity Dove House Hospice, involves 24 members of the public paired up in couples.

The dancers will spend 12 weeks training to learn two dances – which they may be asked to perform in front of a live audience.

Graham was chosen from more than 100 applicants following a rigorous selection process.

Now paired up with his partner Donna Piercy, Graham is in the process of learning routines for the Viennese Waltz and Paso Doble and will perform them at Hull City Hall on Friday 27 March.

Graham, who admits he had never danced before, said: “This was a great opportunity to challenge myself as well as raising money for a brilliant cause.

“Training is going well and I can’t wait to get on that dance floor and show off my new moves.”

Tickets are £13.50. To book, call Graham on 07917631993 or email [email protected].

Sponsor Graham here. All proceeds go to Dove House Hospice.