Frank Rothwell, the businessman who helped save Oldham Athletic, will swap the boardroom for the ballroom as he joins 15 other amateur dancers in Dr Kershaw’s Strictly competition on February 28.

The musicals-themed fundraiser returns to Oldham’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, where eight couples will battle for the Glitterball Champion title while raising crucial funds for the hospice. The event runs from 7pm, with dancers performing before a live audience and judging panel.

Rothwell, chairman and co-owner of Latics, has long supported the hospice’s fundraising efforts including judging their Junior Dragons’ Den panel. The 76-year-old entered the competition “to show my kids there is still something in the old dog.”

His fellow contestants include Shirley Elliott, a development manager and Bay City Rollers fan currently fighting cancer after losing her sister to the disease. “I wanted to do this for myself and my sister,” Elliott said of her participation.

Last year’s event raised £26,000 for patients and their families. This year’s sold-out show aims to surpass that total, with the hospice inviting local businesses to donate auction prizes ranging from experience days to gift cards and services.

Alice Entwistle, Fundraising Events Lead at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, said: “We are so grateful to the Oldham community for getting behind our Strictly event - especially our sponsors, Landlord Furniture Company and Grains Bar Hotel. While tickets have now sold out, there are so many ways to get involved. You can sponsor our individual dancers through our JustGiving page, and we’ll be sharing all of their stories and behind-the-scenes updates on our social media channels. Your help could make a huge difference!”

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