A ‘Strictly’ dance event is being staged to raise awareness of men’s mental health and support five North East charities.

‘Strictly Step By Step’ is the idea of professional dancer Darrien Wright and will be staged in front of around 400 people at the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington, on November 9.

The format will be based on Strictly Come Dancing, with five charities putting forward male contestants to be partnered by professional dancers from local dance schools.

Darrien has teamed up Kelly Sloan, who runs the Kellen Dance Academy in Darlington, to organise the red carpet event.

“It’s going to be a fabulous evening of dancing and live music, while raising awareness and funds for five amazing local charities supporting mental health,” said Darrien.

The charities are Quinn’s Retreat, I’m George’s Mate, Andy’s Man Club, Recovery Connections, and Never Throw In The Towel Project.

David Beadle, who lost two children to suicide, will be taking part for Quinn’s Retreat. Adam Petson will represent Recovery Connections, Wayne Percy will dance for Andy’s Man Club, Simon Pickerell will compete for Never Throw In The Towel, and Andrew Galloway will step up to the challenge for I’m George’s Mate.

The evening will be supported by Darlington Operatic Society and invited special guests to judge.  Each partnership will perform two dances – one Latin and one freestyle - with the result decided by the audience using a live voting system.

Darrien, who shot to fame in 2006 by winning TV’s Strictly Dance Fever, will be helping with choreography and performing on the night.

He came up with the idea for the event after being touched by his own mental health struggles and losing a close relative to suicide when he was 13.

“My Auntie Debbie was my best friend and inspiration – the person who always told me to dream big,” he explained.

“I didn’t realise until I was older how important dance and music were in helping me to deal with my own mental health challenges, so this is a way of helping others. I’ve also lost friends to suicide and it’s a particular problem with men because they’re less likely to talk about their feelings.”

  • Tickets, priced at £20, will be available by emailing Darrien and Kelly at strictlystepbystep@outlook.com. Follow the journey and keep up to date on their strictlystepbystep social media platforms.

(Image: Peter Barron)

Kelly has already helped to raise more than £20,000 for various charities in recent years through her other passion for running.

“I’m always looking for new challenges and, when Darrien came up with this idea, I immediately wanted to help. It’s about using our experience in dance to give something back and, hopefully, save lives.”

Each of the male dancers will raise money through sponsorship, and there will be other fundraising activities on the night, with a £10,000 target. An appeal is also being made for companies to support the event.