First dancers revealed for charity dance extravaganza

The identities of some of the dancers who will be taking part in a popular annual charity dance – backed by a number of Marketing Derby Bondholders – have been revealed.

Derbyshire UnStrictly 2026, sponsored by Cosy Direct, HUUB and L.E.A.D. IT Services, is set to take place on 27 June at Reach Conference Centre on Pride Park.

Organised by Jonathan Leach of Indigo Drum Communications and Theresa Peltier through Unity is Community CIC, the event will raise vital funds for local charities and children’s causes across Derby and Derbyshire.

Ahead of the event, the identities of six of the eleven brave dancers who will take to the ballroom floor have been announced.

Among the stars stepping into the spotlight is Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council.

Also joining the line-up is Chris Birds, a chartered surveyor, estate agent and joint owner of Boxall Brown & Jones and BB&J Commercial.

Business leader Steven Thai, chief executive of Derby-based Ocean King will also be stepping into the ballroom.

Joining the celebrity line-up is BBC East Midlands Today presenter and journalist Emily Williamson.

Also taking part this year is Lisa Marriott, who leads people and culture at Embark Federation and serves as chair of Rebuild East Midlands.

Joining her on the dancefloor is Sophie Jepson from L.E.A.D. IT Services.

Outside work, Sophie is a proud mum and an active volunteer with Derby Kids Camp, helping create memorable experiences for children across the region.

According to organisers, this year’s event is shaping up to be the biggest and most entertaining Unstrictly yet, with more celebrity dancers still to be revealed over the coming weeks.

The Derbyshire Unstrictly dancing fundraiser is raising funds for The Lewis Sewell Memorial Trust, The Living Recovery Foundation and Rebuild East Midlands, while also supporting places for children at Derby Kids’ Camp and Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.

To purchase tickets to the event, click here.