Kevin wins Strictly

A twinkle-toed postman waltzed away with a glitter ball trophy when he led a policewoman partner on to the floor in a charity dance competition.

Kevin Shufflebottom has been ballroom dancing for 20 years, and was partnered by Cheshire Constabulary’s acting chief constable Janette McCormick for ‘Strictly Learn to Dance’.

The annual fundraising event, organised by Cheshire’s St Luke’s Hospice, pits seven couples against one another to foxtrot for points in front of a judging panel and voting public.

Kevin and Janette dazzled the audience with their quick step, scooping both the public vote and overall judges’ award.

Kevin, based at Congleton delivery office, said: ‘It was quite nerve wracking but it was a superb evening. I’ve been dancing for years and this was my first competition in front of 200 people and four judges.’

Each couple worked with a professional coach for several weeks to prepare before the live final. Despite being a non-dancer, Janette took to the floor like a natural, said Kevin.

‘I knew from week one we’d do well because she was really keen. The level she danced at was amazing.’

The winning pair were hoping to rumba-up £1,000 for the hospice and were thrilled to smash their target by £500.

And after dipping his twinkle toes into the exciting world of competitive dancing Kevin, a postman for 10 years, is now considering entering more competitions.

‘I’ve had a message from my dance instructor to say there’s a competition in June,’ he said. ‘I’m thinking about it.’