Strictly star Ian Waite to host and perform at Strictly St. Luke’s 2026

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Ian Waite has been announced as the host and special performer for Strictly St. Luke’s 2026, the glamorous dance show raising vital funds for St. Luke’s Hospice.

Taking place on Saturday 21st March 2026 at 7pm at The Brentwood Centre, Doddinghurst Road, the Strictly inspired charity event will see members of the public step onto the dancefloor with a professional partner as they compete for the coveted Glitterball Trophy.   

Ian Waite, who was also crowned Winner of Dancing with the Stars Australia 2024 and loved by dance fans for hosting years of ‘Waites Warm Up’ on BBC’s Two’s It Takes Two programme, will be taking to the floor to perform two showcase dances and expertly host the evening.   

Tickets are on sale NOW and cost £25 each (including a £2.10 admin fee). To buy a ticket and secure your place in the audience, visit www.stlukeshospice.com/strictly-st-lukes.  Monies raised from the evening will support the vital care and support provided by local charity St. Luke’s Hospice. 

Ian Waite said: 

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of Strictly St. Luke’s. Dance has the incredible power to connect people, lift spirits, and bring communities together, and seeing members of the public take on this challenge in support of St. Luke’s Hospice is truly special.  

“St. Luke’s Hospice makes a real difference in the community, and I’m honoured to support their work. I’ll be cheering on all our dancers and can’t wait to see what they’ve learned – it’s going to be a dazzling night of entertainment!” 

Earlier this year, St. Luke’s Hospice invited applications from the public to take part in Strictly St. Luke’s 2026, and 10 lucky applicants were paired with a professional dance partner on Thursday 6th November 2025.  

Over the next few months, the couples will learn and perfect two dances to perform in front of the live Brentwood Centre audience, competing to be crowned winners of the Glitterball trophy.   

The winning couple will be announced at the end of the evening, with the audience invited to vote for their favourite couple. Final points will also be awarded by the panel of independent judges.    

* Each vote cast on the night is £2, and there is no limit to the number of votes the audience can make.  All monies are donated to St. Luke’s Hospice.

Strictly St. Luke’s has been kindly supported by T. Cribb & Sons.

Aston spoke to Kerry Chambers, community and events fundraising manager at St Luke’s Hospice.