Hospice dance competition winners crowned at star-studded final

Rachael Janson, a Visual Effects Technician from Berkhamsted, and her dance partner Maria Hernandez-Humm, a Senior Project Manager from Harefield, have been crowned winners of the 2026 Strictly Come Hospice competition, organised in support of Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care.

The glittering grand final took place on Friday 30 January at the Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth, where 21 pairs of amateur dancers performed routines they had perfected over ten weeks of professional tuition. The finalists were judged by a panel including television actress Kellie Bright, alongside dance professionals Karen Pawlowska and Yvonne Taylor Hill, with audience votes contributing to the final scores.

Rachael and Maria impressed judges and audience alike with their energetic Cha Cha performance to Boogie Wonderland, securing the highest combined score on the night and taking home the coveted glitter ball trophy.

The Strictly Come Hospice challenge sees local participants paired up and trained by professional dancers, culminating in a live theatre performance. Each dancer commits to raising a minimum of £800 for the hospice charity. This year’s event has already raised an impressive £43,000 through sponsorship, ticket sales, and on-the-night donations.

Speaking after the event, Rachael said:

“Winning Strictly Come Hospice is an incredible feeling. It represents ten weeks of hard work, but also so much joy. The highlight of the night was hearing how much money we’d raised for Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care. Their work is essential in our community, and I’m incredibly proud to have been part of something that will make a real difference.”

Maria added:

“This experience has given me so much confidence and self-belief. I never imagined I’d be dancing on stage in front of judges and a live audience. The encouragement from everyone involved made it unforgettable.”

Emma Stewart, Events Manager at Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, said:

“The Strictly Come Hospice grand final was a truly special evening. It would not have been possible without the commitment of our dancers, teachers, volunteers, judges, and supporters. We are also extremely grateful to our headline sponsor, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, for their generous support. Every penny raised helps us provide vital hospice care, and with over £19,000 needed every day to run our services, events like this are absolutely crucial.”

Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care provides free, compassionate care and support for adults with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families and carers, across Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.

To register your interest for the 2027 Strictly Come Hospice event, visit:

renniegrovepeace.org/strictly27