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PICTURES: This year’s Strictly Inverness competitors are preparing to dance their socks off for charity in a few months


By Imogen James

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The first half of Team Friday. Pictures: James Mackenzie
The first half of Team Friday. Pictures: James Mackenzie

The first half of this year’s Team Friday took a short break from their arduous training schedule, however, to pose for our photographers and introduce themselves.

Faye Ferguson has been teamed with James Mackenzie, while Penny O’Brien and Adam Craig will dance together, along with Moira Ness and Joe Reilly and Shaye Munro and Jamie Dolan.

The pairs meet to train at least three times a week in a bid to give themselves the best shot at winning the annual charity fundraiser in aid of Highland Hospice and the Inverness Ice Centre.

Faye Ferguson and James Mackenzie.
Faye Ferguson and James Mackenzie.

The Inverness Ice Centre needs to maintain its facilities including an ice rink and café, and funds to put on events in its large space.

The hospice provides incredible care to those with end-of-life conditions, through nursing, and support to both patients and their families.

The much-loved event takes place at the Ice Centre from May 18-21 this year with eight couples dancing on the Thursday and Friday nights after the opening night extravaganza, and then the grand final being held on the Saturday.

Always a treat, this year’s outing is even more highly anticipated than usual after two years of it not being able to be held due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Penny O'Brien and Adam Craig.
Penny O'Brien and Adam Craig.

Special guest judge this year is professional dancer and former BBC Strictly Come Dancing performer Flavia Cacace.

Competitors are not just going for personal glory of course but are also required to take part in fundraising for the hospice and ice centre.

The HN has already reported on photographer James Mackenzie’s offer to create personal portraits for anyone who would like one, in return for a £10 donation.

Moira Ness and Joe Reilly.
Moira Ness and Joe Reilly.

Also from Team Friday Jamie Dolan and Shaye Munro are currently raffling off an overnight stay in a luxury Inverness riverside apartment along with a £50 food voucher – with their prize draw having currently raised £675.

The pair previously helped the Highland Hospice with a fundraising day at Tesco Inverness.

Penny O’Brien had been due to take part in the 2020 competition before coronavirus scuppered that, but is back for a second attempt with dance partner Adam Craig.

They plan to host a night at the races event in April, treating guests to some fun-filled competition, a buffet, disco, games and a raffle.

Shaye Munro and Jamie Dolan.
Shaye Munro and Jamie Dolan.

For Team Thursday competitor Kirsty Littlejohn is hosting a charity football match in her home village this Saturday (February 19).

There will be three matches played at Culbokie astroturf and spectators will also have the chance to enjoy face painting fun, some excellent home baking, a raffle and a bottle stall.

Kick-off is at 2pm and everyone is invited to turn up and enjoy the friendly competition.

Tickets to be part of the audience for this year’s Strictly Inverness will go on sale to the general public early next month.

Meanwhile keep an eye on the Highland News over the next few weeks for an introduction to the rest of 2022’s brave and inspiring competitors.


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