Meet our Strictly Stars 2024

Liam Ballantyne (40) is a van driver from Aintree. Liam has taken on our Strictly challenge in memory of his mum, Siobhan, who died four years ago and used to work at St. Joseph’s Hospice. Liam says Siobhan loved working for the hospice and was a huge Strictly fan so he is very proud to do this for her. Liam’s cousin, Megan, who is also dancing tonight, roped him in to Strictly after a few drinks at family party. Liam says he can’t dance and is glad his sons are too young to see him embarrass himself, although he says his wife Kirsten will never let him live this down! Luckily for his sons, Roman and Hunter, all the dances will be filmed and available on You Tube! We think Liam will be fabulous and we know his mum would be super proud of him for taking on this challenge. You can sponsor Liam here.

Harrison Fearnley (24), from Garstang, is a children’s outdoor activity instructor for PGL. Harrison has joined our Strictly 2024 line up to support the hospice and his girlfriend and pro dance partner Eleanor. He says his mum is a big Strictly fan so she’s going to love watching him on the night! Harrison has never danced before so it’s a completely new experience for him but he’s hoping to dance something fast and fun…we’re sure our Strictly Pro Eleanor will put him through his paces! Harrison is hoping to draw on his childhood experiences with an acting school and is looking forward to feeling those pre-show butterflies and that sense of achievement from challenging himself to do something completely out of his comfort zone. You can sponsor Harrison here.

Megan Fearnley (23), from Walton, works in customer care for retailer Very. Megan was inspired to sign up for Strictly St Joseph’s by her Auntie Siobhan who had a passion for fundraising and used to work in the hospice’s fundraising team. When Siobhan passed away four years ago, Megan continued fundraising in her memory and is taking part in Strictly as a tribute to Siobhan. As a child, Megan did a bit of tap, ballet and Irish dancing, but she loves anything fun and upbeat, especially country and musical theatre, and she is hoping to learn a fast-paced dance for Strictly. She loves watching Strictly on TV, her favourite Strictly pro is Diane and Anton is her favourite judge. Megan is most looking forward to meeting people and raising money for the hospice. She is most nervous about being beaten by her cousin Liam who is also taking part! You can sponsor Megan here.

Samantha Flynn (35), from Litherland, is a breathwork and mindfulness coach. Sammy wanted to take on our Strictly challenge to try something new and raise money for a good cause. She enjoys the glitz and glam of Strictly and loves music, especially something with a good vibe and beat. She has no previous dance experience, although she is looking forward to learning a new skill and has hinted that she may take it up as a new hobby! Sammy is really looking forward to her Strictly experience and to meeting lots of new people. You can sponsor Sammy here.

Emily Sutch (18) is a business administration apprentice for BAE Systems and lives in Chorley with her mum, dad, brother and sister. Emily loves watching Strictly on TV with her mum and really wanted to give dancing a shot. Her favourite Strictly Pro is Johannes and she is also a fan of Strictly judge Anton Du Beke. Emily loves dancing to pop and hip hop but is up for any dance style. She is most looking forward to trying something completely new for a good cause but is most nervous about performing in front of a crowd. With her family, friends, and colleagues all cheering her on, we think she will have an incredible time on the dance floor. Good luck Emily! You can sponsor Emily here.

Katie-Rose (36), from West Derby, is the owner of Baby Sensory North Liverpool. Katie was a late entry to this year’s Strictly line-up, after another contestant had to drop out, but she jumped at the chance. Katie has always wanted to take up dancing as an adult as she enjoyed it so much as a child. She also wanted to raise money for such an amazing cause. Katie is very excited for the live show, although she has admitted to never having watched Strictly on TV…we think she’ll be tuning in once she has experienced the magic of dancing in Strictly St. Joseph’s! You can sponsor Katie here.

Linzi Wood (49), from Crosby, is a personal trainer. Her mum Irene was cared for at the hospice earlier this year and so, being such a huge Strictly fan, she jumped at the chance to get involved and raise some money for the hospice. Linzi loves EVERYTHING about Strictly, she says Johannes is her favourite pro and Craig is her favourite judge. Linzi danced a lot as a child, doing both tap and ballet. She says her mum would have loved to have watched her perform in our live Strictly show but she’s looking forward to performing for the crowd and will have her husband Harrison and son Freddie in the audience cheering her on.