Meet Danielle Stanley

What inspired you to take part in support of St. Rocco's this year?

My primary inspiration for participating in Strictly St. Rocco's is to honour the memory of my mother-in-law, Sheila, who was cared for at the hospice before she passed away in July of last year. The support and compassion she received from everyone at St. Rocco's was truly exceptional, and I wanted to find a meaningful way to give back and express my heartfelt gratitude. This is my way of saying thank you.

What is your previous dancing experience and how are you feeling about dancing?

I've been passionate about dancing since I was a young child. I continued this passion into adulthood, competing in tap dance competitions across the country. I've had the incredible opportunity to dance in finals at prestigious venues like the Winter Gardens in Blackpool and Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena. However, I'm a complete novice when it comes to ballroom dancing! I am so excited to learn a new skill and embrace a different style of dance. I honestly cannot wait to give it a go.

What are you looking forward to most about the Strictly experience?

I'm looking forward to embracing the entire journey! It's a chance to learn a completely new skill and challenge myself in a way I never have before. I'm excited about the glamour and fun of the main event, as well as the camaraderie of training and preparing with everyone involved. Knowing it's all for a cause that is so important to me makes it even more special.

What song always gets you up dancing?

Without a doubt, the song that always gets me on the dance floor is "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" from the movie Dirty Dancing. It’s a timeless classic that just makes you want to move! It would be an absolute dream come true to finally master the iconic lift from the movie after many questionable attempts at weddings and parties over the years!