Dancers braved the stage with a spectacular live show to raise funds for a good cause.

In front of 750 people at the Pavilion, nine couples battled it out to be crowned the 2018 champions of Weldmar Strictly Ballroom.

After each performance, the panel of judges gave their feedback and all important scores which contributed to 50% of the overall result. Then, once all acts had performed, the vote was opened to the audience with both the judges scores and audience votes combined to crown the champions.

Andy Unwin and Jennie Fowler were crowned this years winners lifting the glitter ball trophy after a fantastic Charleston performance which wowed both the judges and audience alike.

Before the start of the competition, none of the participants would dance and with the support of Eileen Spracklen School of Dance, they learnt how to dance a bespoke and tailored routine, before taking to the stage.

Clair Walker, Major Events Fundraiser from Weldmar said: “The atmosphere on Friday night was incredible with a fantastically engaging audience who were supportive of all our acts. We were extremely lucky to be joined by four trained and experienced dancers who made up our judging panel and gave constructive feedback to all of our participants. Our biggest thanks must go to Eileen and Gemma from Eileen Spracklen School of Dance who have spent the last 16 weeks teaching our couples how to dance and helping us raise such a fantastic sum of money for Weldmar.”

As well as the 2018 contestants, the audience were treated to performances from The Studio, the Strictly Ballroom class of 2016 and the winners of Strictly Junior 2018, Let’s Dance.

At the end of the show it was announced that the 2018 event had raised a staggering £23,000 for Weldmar Hospicecare. Since 2013 the event has raised over £85,000 for the Dorset based charity, purely down to the hard work of Eileen Spracklen School of Dance.

Clair added: “We cannot thank Eileen and Gemma enough for their support with this event. We wouldn’t be able to do it without them and the money they have helped us raise it outstanding. It has enabled us to provide care to so many people throughout Dorset when they need our services most. We truly are grateful.”

Next year will see the return of Strictly Junior with the live show being held at Weymouth Pavilion at the end of next year.