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Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) is bringing back its flagship Strictly Air Ambulance fundraiser after last year’s event generated an impressive £58,000 for the life-saving charity.
The 2026 edition will return to the Brentwood Centre on 14 March 2026, with organisers promising a bigger and more vibrant evening aimed at surpassing previous fundraising totals. Headline sponsor Milbank Concrete Products and VIP sponsor G&G Gallo will add extra support to the event.
Hosted once again by EHAAT ambassador Lisa Snowdon and ITV’s David Whiteley, the show will adopt a new “TV & Film” theme, with seven local amateurs paired with professional dancers to perform routines inspired by iconic screen moments, all vying for the Glitterball Trophy. The evening will also feature special performances from Strictly Come Dancing star Vincent Simone and his professional partner Victoria Martin.
Television personality Dani Dyer will join Chelmsford Dance Centre Director Phil Meacham and British national professional showdance champion Ben Milan-Vega on the judging panel. “I’m really excited to channel my inner Shirley Ballas and be part of the judging panel,” Dyer said. “The evening is going to be amazing and all for such a great cause.”
This year’s dance pairings include participants from sectors including fitness, finance, education, the creative industries, leisure and tourism. The 2026 contestants are:
- Gaby Giedraite (Colchester) & Bruce Lait
- Mike Flood (Brentwood) & Jody De’Ath
- Amelia Storey (Colchester) & Caleb Arslan
- Bradley Collyer (Potters Bar) & Terri Bodell
- Anna Staunton (Colchester) & Hayden Wise
- Dean Vale (Chelmsford) & Elise Meacham
- Sara Tupper (Heybridge) & Martin Adkins
EHAAT CEO Mark Jarman-Howe said the continued support for the event reflects the commitment of the local community. “Last year’s total helped our crews reach more people in life-threatening emergencies and we can’t wait to make 2026 even more spectacular,” he said. “It’s a night that makes a real difference.”
Tickets are now on sale. EHAAT is also appealing for businesses to provide raffle and auction prizes, with donations welcomed via 0345 2417 690.
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