NHS worker, Bradley Setchell, will learn to dance with a professional partner to raise funds for the Blue Skies Fund.
Twelve NHS workers from across the country have been chosen to take part in the Strictly Come Dancing style show, to compete and raise money for charity.
Bradley, 25, works as a critical care nurse at Nottingham’s children hospital and decided to apply to the competition to inspire his co-workers.
He said: “I decided to apply because I wanted to bring morale to my team and give us all something to look forward to.
“This year has been incredibly challenging for so many people, but especially those on the frontline of this virus.”
“While my dancing technique is very much of a novice standard, I do enjoy dancing round my kitchen and also with some of the children at work.”
Bradley was one of 2000 applicants for the competition who were then shortlisted down to 100, and invited to send in a video of themselves to secure their place.
He will compete against 11 other medics from across the country at a special performance at the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool.
Each medic chosen has no prior dancing experience so Bradley will be relying on his professional dance partner, Bethan Mitchell, to teach him.
Bethan, 21, is a professional dancer from London and was particularly keen to get involved in the competition to give back to the NHS.
She said: “I decided to take part in Strictly NHS as I wanted to give something back to those amazing NHS workers who have worked so hard over the last year.
“I love teaching dance and therefore loved the idea of getting the chance to teach an absolute novice how to dance from scratch and then being able to perform a whole routine with them.
“The industry has really struggled over the past year so it’s a great fun way to get back into it.”
Whilst for the time being Bradley and Bethan’s rehearsals are restricted to taking place over a video call, they are both excited to get started.
Bradley said: “Our training is currently virtual which is great for the basic steps, but we are excited to rehearse in a studio space together as soon as things are safe enough to do so.
“I’m sure our performance will be strong and competitive enough for the Glitterball Trophy!”
By Faith Pring
