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The People's Strictly for Comic Relief contestants revealed

February 17, 2015
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Strictly Come Dancing is letting members of the public take to the dance floor for the first time in March, and now the lucky competitors have been revealed. Over 11,000 super-fans were nominated from across the UK to take part in The People's Strictly for Comic Relief, but they have now been whittled down to just six.

Each participant has been chosen for their timeless work to change lives for the better, and has been paired with a Strictly professional for the one-off show. They are spending five weeks learning the ropes with their dance partner before performing for the nation on Comic Relief in March.

Much like the original show, the charity special will be hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, and will see the pairs compete for the judges' scores and viewers' votes.

Peoplesstrictly © Photo: BBC

The People's Strictly contestants have been named

All six contestants are Strictly Come Dancing fans and have carried out extensive work for charity.

Phillip Barnett and Janette Manrara

Cornwall resident Phillip Barnett has been paired with professional dancer Janette Manrara. The 45-year-old founded a children's theatre charity in 1994 and has since raised over £2 million and staged over 70 shows.

Heather Parsons and Ian Waite

Heather Parsons, from Hampshire, set up her own charity to support intensive care patients and their families following her own near-death experience in intensive care. The 53-year-old will be dancing a Viennese Waltz with her partner Ian Waite.

Cassidy Little and Natalie Lowe

Canadian-born Cassidy Little served as a medic for the Royal Marines in Afghanistan when he was severely injured, losing the lower half of his leg in an explosion. His positivity has helped several of his colleagues through their time in rehab. The 33-year-old will perform with Strictly star Natalie Lowe.

Anna Kennedy OBE and Robin Windsor

Anna Kennedy OBE set up the largest school for autism in the UK after her autistic sons were turned away from mainstream education. The 55-year-old has been paired with Robin Windsor and the duo will perform a Charleston together for the charity show.

Trishna Bharadia and Alijaz Scorjanec

Trishna Bharadia is living with MS and works hard to raise awareness around the condition. The 35-year-old will be dancing a jive with her partner Alijaz Scorjanec, who she has said is "fantastic".

Michael Pattie and Aliona Vilani

Since losing his 13-year-old son Dave to the disease in 1999, Michael has raised over £300,000 for Meningitis research. The Scot will dance the Tango with his professional partner Aliona Vilani.

The People's Strictly champion will be named on BBC One on Red Nose Day, Friday 13 March

Keep up to date with all things Strictly, from the backstage gossip and romance rumours, judges ' verdicts and exclusives

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