A pair of Strictly Come Dancing fans hope to follow in the footsteps of their favourite celebrities and put on a dazzling display in this year’s North London Hospice ballroom showdown.

Maria McGrath and Bob Lawler will compete against eight other dancing duos for their chance to take home their very own glitter ball trophy in the hospice's Dancing Strictly contest.

The pair will be dressed to impress as they perform a cha cha to Michael Buble’s Sway at the Millfield Theatre in Edmonton this Saturday.

Maria, who is a personal trainer and pilates instructor, said: “I’m an avid watcher of Strictly and have always wanted to ballroom dance – and now I’m hooked.”

Bob, who is 68-years-old and lives in Palmers Green, said: “As they say on Strictly – ‘I’ve been on a journey’. It’s been a challenge but we’re definitely making progress.

“When I’ve danced before I normally hide from the teacher at the back of the class, but now I’m going to be on stage in front of a whole theatre – it’s a bit daunting.”

Although the nerves are starting to kick-in, the pair are determined to put on a spectacular show and raise as much money as they can for the hospice which supports people with life-limiting illnesses.

Maria said: “The work they do is unbelievable. It’s a fantastic organisation run by people who do an incredible job for the community.”