Strictly for Pudsey - the dancers

The BBC Radio Cornwall dancers get ready for action

On Sunday 15 November 2009, BBC South West presenters will be taking to the dance floor in Strictly for Pudsey.

Eleven presenters from BBC Radio Cornwall, Spotlight, and BBC Radio Devon are taking part in the event to raise money for this year's BBC Children in Need.

In front of an audience of around 350 people at the Guildhall in Plymouth, the presenters will be doing a turn with the help of professional partners who are giving their time free of charge.

The BBC dancers are all taking the event seriously, with evening and weekend rehearsals!

The full line-up:

Justin Leigh

Justin Leigh dancing with Pudsey

Spotlight presenter Justin Leigh is dancing The Jive with professional partner Lauren Shiels. They'll be dancing to The Boy Does Nothing.

Justin has never watched Strictly Come Dancing and dances like your dad so he is unlikely to do well.

However he is willing to give it a go for Children in Need.

Victoria Graham

Victoria Graham dancing with Pudsey

Spotlight presenter Victoria Graham is dancing the Cha Cha under the professional guidance of dance partner Alexis Peguerososa - their choice of song is Sexbomb.

Victoria, who presents Spotlight with Justin, says: "I'm a little upset I'm not allowed to dance with my 'on-screen husband". However, given I'm twice the size of Justin, he's probably relieved.

"I love watching Strictly - all those sparkly outfits. Actually getting into one could be interesting"!

David Braine

David Braine rehearsing his Waltz

Spotlight weather presenter David Braine is performing a Waltz to Come Away With Me with professional dancer Sally Jane Dunne.

When asked what his first dance was at his wedding to fellow Spotlight presenter Julia Peet, he said he didn't have a first dance because it was a ceilidh.

David serves in the reserves as a Lieutenant Commander based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton. Mmmmm - could there be hidden dance talent under that naval uniform?

Natalie Cornah

Natalie Cornah will be dancing American Smooth

BBC Spotlight's Natalie Cornah will be dancing American Smooth with professional dance partner Nick Hole, to the classic The Lady Is A Tramp.

Natalie says she loves dancing but "isn't very good at it and has been told many times that I'm rubbish". She adores Strictly, especially the sequins.

She says her perfect dance partner would be one of her beloved dogs, as she knows she can lift them!

David Fitzgerald

David Fitzgerald with another cuddly bear!

BBC Radio Devon presenter David Fitzgerald is dancing with Karen Fitzgerald, but at the time of writing, his dance and song were unknown.

David describes himself as a "complete oaf and non-dancer".

He says: "I expect to win this by two falls, a submission and a knock-out. Last year, I went to a barn dance and spun a retired postmistress from Kent into a bowl of cheesy crisps! Good luck to my partner."

Rosie Dunkley

Rosie Dunkley will be dancing the Salsa

BBC Radio Cornwall reporter Rosie Dunkley will be doing the high-energy Salsa with professional partner Chris Barnes. They will be dancing to Yamulemau by Joe Arroyo.

Rosie has had an interest in dance for many years and enjoys going to the theatre to see ballet and contemporary dance. She has even performed in the BBC Radio Cornwall concert at the Hall for Cornwall in previous years.

Matt Woodley

Matt Woodley - Cha Cha Cha!

BBC Radio Devon's Good Morning Devon presenter Matt Woodley is dancing the Cha Cha with professional partner Irma Paraiso, to Mercy by Duffy.

Matt says he's got rhythm, but that's about all.

And he admits: "I don't think seven years marching with Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band counts as dancing experience, does it?"

Debbie McCrory

Debbie McCrory will be dancing to Santana

BBC Radio Cornwall presenter Debbie McCrory is also dancing the Cha Cha with her professional partner Nick Morrison. They'll be dancing Smooth by Santana.

Debbie loves musical theatre and is known as the Elaine Paige of BBC Radio Cornwall. But after her dance, will she be Les Miserables, or will she stun us all with a Wicked performance?

Richard Green

Richard Green will be doing the Argentine Tango

BBC Radio Devon's presenter of The Afternoon Show is doing the Argentine Tango with professional dancer Tara Hughes-Law. They will be performing Una Musica Brutal.

His afternoon programme is the home of Strictly updates so has the chance to talk to the stars, judges and dancers.

But will all that glitz rub off? "Unlikely," says Richard. "I've never had a dance lesson in my life unless you count that master class with Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace - but that's the only one."

James Churchfield

James Churchfield - two left feet!

BBC Radio Cornwall Breakfast Show presenter James Churchfield will be dancing the Waltz with professional partner Tara-Jayne Forrester - the song has yet to be revealed.

News, sport and travel sit alongside the lighter side of life with James and his co-presenter Pam Spriggs. Having to 'lead' Pam should help his preparations for the Waltz - but James reckons two left feet won't help his chances!

Matt Pengelly

Matt Pengelly - famous for his Frank n Furter

BBC Radio Cornwall reporter Matt Pengelly will be performing the Bacheta Tango with professional dancer Fenella Oatley. At the time of writing, the choice of music hadn't been decided.

He has a bit of a track record when it comes to showing off at staff shows - who can forget his Frank n Furter at the Hall For Cornwall?!

Hosts for the night: John Govier and Rebecca Wills

BBC Radio Devon's John Govier and Spotlight's Rebecca Wills be adopting the roles of Strictly's Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly. They'll also be dancing the Drunken Sway to the track, I Won't Dance.

The event...

Doors open to the public at 6pm; the fun starts at 6.30pm, and the first dancers take to the floor at 7pm.

A special Strictly for Pudsey phone line was set up on 4 November, with the free tickets being given out to the public on a first come, first served basis. These have all now been allocated.

The panel of judges on the night will feature local celebrities, who'll be looking at the dance routines and seeing who has the most fun on the dance floor. Together with the audience, they'll choose who is crowned Strictly for Pudsey BBC South West Dance Champion!