Strictly Inverness: Meet Team Friday
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Strictly Inverness's 32 contestants are currently training with their experienced dance tutors, as well as organising an endless variety of events to boost their fundraising on behalf of the annual event's organisers and hosts Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre.
Eight couples perform two individual dances on Thursday and Friday nights, plus a group dance in front of an audience and panel of judges in May.
Here's more about Team Friday.
- Strictly Inverness: Meet Team Thursday
- Click here to donate
- Are you brave enough for Full Monty Fundraiser for charity?
Jenna & Louise
NAME: Jenna Christie
AGE: 37
AREA WHERE YOU LIVE: Inverness
OCCUPATION: Adult support worker
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Married to Neil (37) with Harris (8) and Katy (1)
REASON FOR TAKING PART: My dad was a patient in the hospice in 2019 and encouraged me to put my name forward. I had been chosen to compete in 2020 but due to Covid it was sadly cancelled and this has been the first year I have been able to compete again.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN A SENTENCE: I would like to think I am a very friendly and approachable person. Very much a home bird, like spending time with friends and family – although do occasionally like flying away to sunnier weather.
INTERESTING FACT: I once did a skydive from 14,000ft, a fact that still even surprises me as I'm not that great with heights.
NAME: Louise Mainland
AGE: 45
AREA WHERE YOU LIVE: Kincraig
OCCUPATION: Bereavement services manager
RELATIONSHIP STATUS : Married to Willie Mainland (60) with Mia (12), Malki (10) and Murray (9) – and stepsons Craig and Martin.
REASON FOR TAKING PART: Taking part in Strictly is taking me way out of my comfort zone on many levels and I do love a personal challenge. I'm passionate about normalising the conversation of death and dying. My son Malachy, who died at six hours old is my motivator.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN A SENTENCE: I always like to see the positive in people and circumstances, I’m a little bit of a risk taker and love being in and around open water.
AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOURSELF THAT OUR READERS MAY WANT TO KNOW: Willie booked our honeymoon where we climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for fun! Slept in tents, and suffered but recovered from altitude sickness. We made it to the top, but I quickly fled as I was feeling dizzy, leaving my new husband on his own.
Our recovery at the resort was fabulous but our legs where dead and the restaurant was at the top of a mountain of stairs. Who says romance is dead?
Neil & Ailsa
NAME: Neil Pirritt
AGE: 43
AREA WHERE YOU LIVE: Inverness.
OCCUPATION: Project engineer
REASON FOR TAKING PART: I’ve considered taking part in the Strictly Inverness event for a few years, but just haven’t been in the right place for doing it. This year I decided just to go for it.
Highland Hospice is such a worthwhile charity, as they provide an amazing facility for palliative care in the Highlands. My partner did a nursing work placement there and was really touched by the dedication, the commitment, and the personal care that people receive there. It’s a privilege to be part of this event and I’m very excited about every aspect of it!
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN A SENTENCE: A gregarious, social extravert with a love of theatrical and musical performance.
INTERESTING FACT: I have been involved in a few local theatrical groups around Inverness, including the Inverness Musical Theatre group and will be in a fantastic production of Made in Dagenham which is on in Eden Court at the end of March.
NAME: Ailsa Campbell
AGE: 39
AREA WHERE YOU LIVE: Conon Bridge
OCCUPATION: Executive officer for the Department for Work and Pensions
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Married to husband Kevin (44) with sons Preston (11) and Cooper (7)
REASON FOR TAKING PART: Since losing both my parents within 10 weeks of each other in 2020 I have found a challenge each year to push myself to fundraise for the hospice and complete their challenges. 2021 – Abseil, 2022 – Zipline, 2023 – Bungee jump and 2024 – Strictly!
I have seen first hand the care you receive in the hospice and couldn’t think of a more worthy cause to raise vital funds for. I also love the dancing, music and sequins so I will be in my element for the event!
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN A SENTENCE: I am a bubbly enthusiast that loves a challenge and will help and support anyone anytime in their time of need.
INTERESTING FACT: I have never broken a bone in my body. Not tempting fate here, I hope!
Sean & Niamh
NAME: Sean MacIver (Prawndo)
AGE: 22
AREA WHERE YOU LIVE: Inverness
OCCUPATION: Pupil support assistant at Drummond School
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Single
REASON FOR TAKING PART: As a lot of people know, I took part in Ness Factor 2023 and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I miss the buzz and routine so thought I’d take part in Strictly to do something similar and more physically challenging.
However the main reason I’m taking part is to thank the hospice again for looking after my cousin before he passed, and also for my colleague Helen who was sadly diagnosed with cancer. I just wanted to find a way to thank her for being so supportive and helpful when I first started at Drummond!
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN A SENTENCE: I’m a very outgoing and genuine person.
INTERESTING FACT: I think Crocs are the elite choice for footwear.
NAME: Niamh McAuley
AGE: 24
AREA WHERE YOU LIVE: Nairn
OCCUPATION: Paediatric nurse
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: In relationship
PARTNER: Steven (24)
REASON FOR TAKING PART: As a nurse I see all the amazing work that Highland Hospice does, and would love to help raise money for such a great cause and push myself out of my comfort zone while doing it.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN A SENTENCE: Love a good chit-chat, always up for a wee adventure or to try something new – and I have an unhealthy obsession with raccoons.
INTERESTING FACT: When I was 11-12 years old, my mum and dad used to have a chicken business. At one point we had over 200 chickens in our garden that we used to sell and I’d make them all bow ties and tartan jackets.
Emma & Kaitlyn
NAME: Emma MacDonald
AGE: 34
AREA WHERE YOU LIVE: Muir of Ord
OCCUPATION: Facial aesthetics
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Married to Ross (34) with daughter Rosie (3)
REASON FOR TAKING PART: I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and meet new people.
My little girl is almost four so I feel like now is the right time to throw myself into a new challenge. I am a big Strictly fan and always wanted to learn how to dance while raising money for two important causes.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN A SENTENCE: I have always been one to shy away from doing things; I love to have a laugh and a giggle with friends.
INTERESTING FACT: I was a dental nurse for 15 years and have recently taken on a new career path and trained in facial aesthetics, I am now my own boss at ELM Aesthetics. I am a natural blondie. I have completed the application form for Strictly Inverness four times over the years and I was always too scared to send it in. After a few Proseccos one night, I decided this was the year I was going to send it.
NAME: Kaitlyn Heggie
AGE: 18
AREA WHERE YOU LIVE: Inverness
OCCUPATION: I run my own business, Unstoppable Fitness, as a women’s mindset and lifestyle coach.
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Single
REASON FOR TAKING PART: My grandad, Alexander Heggie, died in the hospice before I got to meet him, so I am doing this in memory of my family.
From a young age I can remember my family volunteering at many hospice events over the years and I want to give something back too. Doing Strictly is pushing me out of my comfort zone in ways I never thought were possible. I want to show other people with lifelong conditions that their condition doesn’t have to control them or take over their lives.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN A SENTENCE: I’m a very determined, motivated and switched on individual.
INTERESTING FACT: When I was 16, I was diagnosed with a rare lifelong brain condition.
Ryan & Angela
NAME: Ryan Bell
AGE: 26
AREA WHERE YOU LIVE: Inverness
OCCUPATION: Communications officer at SSE
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: In a relationship with Scott (38)
REASON FOR TAKING PART: Highland Hospice is a charity close to the hearts of many – including my friends and family – so the opportunity to raise valuable funds for them is extremely rewarding. Writing this right now I can confirm that I quite simply cannot dance, so let’s hope I rise to the challenge and manage to change that come May!
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN A SENTENCE: A tonic.
INTERESTING FACT: I lived and studied in Madrid for a year, although still only know five Spanish phrases.
NAME: Angela Urquhart
AGE: 37
AREA WHERE YOU LIVE: Black Isle
OCCUPATION: Principal housing officer
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: In a relationship with Ewan Stoddart (34) with daughter Cora (13).
REASON FOR TAKING PART: To push myself by taking on a huge challenge. The Highland Hospice is very close to my heart and I’m excited to meet new people and learn new skills whilst raising money for two fantastic causes – Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN A SENTENCE: I never like to stay still for too long and I’m always looking for the next challenge!
INTERESTING FACT: I love reading and will get through three or four books a week when I have the chance.
Stefan & Lesley
NAME: Stefan Robertson
AGE: 34
AREA WHERE YOU LIVE: Inverness
OCCUPATION: Tesco delivery driver
RELATIONSHIP: Single
REASON FOR TAKING PART: I feel very privileged to be taking part this year. My sister was a contestant in last year’s show and came third. My family, in particular, are the ones that have pushed me to participate, and Jade is my inspiration as she did amazingly well last year raising just over £8000 for such amazing charities! (I certainly have my work cut out for sure!)
As a family we have lost loved ones including my own father back in 2000 when I was 12 years old. Taking part in Strictly and fundraising is not only to make my family proud, but my father too.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN ONE SENTENCE: Funny, a little over dramatic at times, I like to be brave and take myself out of my own comfort zone.
INTERESTING FACT: I was born in Inverness, then moved to Fort William when I was a child. I then moved to Livingston where I spent most of my childhood and eventually moved back to Inverness.
NAME: Lesley Clark
AGE: 41
AREA WHERE YOU LIVE: Strathdearn
OCCUPATION: Public servant
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Married to Adrian (47)
CHILDREN: Becky (20), Harley (16) and Ozzy (4)
REASON FOR TAKING PART: I lost someone recently who was cared for in their last few weeks by the hospice so it’s important to me that I can give something back to the charity.
I also have a medical condition that’s been really difficult to learn to live with these past two years, so this for me is an incredible opportunity to do something challenging for myself to inspire others living with chronic illness – as well as fundraising for a special cause.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN A SENTENCE: Impulsive, compassionate, creative and determined.
INTERESTING FACT: A long time ago, I used to have a race and rally licence and I love everything with two or four wheels! I’ve been a paranormal investigator for the past several years.
Robert & Jacqui
NAME: Robert Ince
AGE: 51
AREA WHERE YOU LIVE: Dingwall
OCCUPATION: Catering manager
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Civil partnered to Bruce Mackintosh (54)
REASON FOR TAKING PART: I wanted to raise funds for incredibly important and worthwhile causes and go way, way beyond my comfort zone! I’m hoping it will also improve my fitness, wellbeing and now I’ve started training, I can see me continuing to dance once the competition is over!
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN A SENTENCE: A 24-year-old trapped inside a 51-year-old!
INTERESTING FACT: A lifelong fan of Kylie, having travelled all over the world to see concerts, I was invited on to stage in 2014 for a selfie with her… which all appears to have inspired one part of the music for the Team Friday group dance!
NAME: Jacqui Crawford
AGE: 60
AREA WHERE YOU LIVE: Daviot
OCCUPATION: Proposals manager
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Married to Richard Crawford (60)
CHILDREN: Fiona and Jenna Dalgetty
REASON FOR TAKING PART: I turned 60 this year and have always wanted to learn to dance and think now is the time to step out of my comfort zone and do it, and in the meantime raise money for the hospice which provides an incredible service.
A friend and also an aunt of mine passed away in the hospice. The care they received was incredible and both died with great care and dignity.
In the past five years both my mum and my husband have had cancer – thankfully now recovered. I do understand how difficult it is for families to live with a cancer diagnosis and I would like to give something back by raising money for a local cancer charity.
My daughter’s best friend's son has played ice hockey at the ice rink for the past eight years and I see the enjoyment he gets from this, so it’s nice to also help the ice rink
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN A SENTENCE: Honest, dependable and hard-working.
Craig & Claire
NAME: Craig Watson
AGE: I identify as 39
AREA WHERE YOU LIVE: Aberdeen
OCCUPATION: Patent attorney
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Between wives
REASON FOR TAKING PART: My younger sister Anna passed away nearly three years ago, and had some great care in the hospice at the end of her shortened life. It gave me close sight of the great work the hospice and staff do in such difficult circumstances.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN A SENTENCE: Living in a bubble where I think I can dance.
INTERESTING FACT: Whilst growing up in Inverness, I was the duty bagpiper at Inverness Castle and Urquhart Castle for many years.
NAME: Clare MacDonald
AGE: 45
AREA WHERE YOU LIVE: Kirkhill
OCCUPATION: Midwife sonographer
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Married to Jawn (47) with children Dylan (17), Maddison (15) and stepdaughter Finley MacDonald (21)
REASON FOR TAKING PART: My dad has non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and while he is stable at the moment, I am aware we will need the support of the Highland Hospice in the future. I have been a keen supporter of the Highland Hospice for many years, having played a significant part in friends’ fundraising efforts. I have been in the Strictly audience a few times and have always fancied participating.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN A SENTENCE: I am an optimistic, fun, happy, hard-working and driven individual.
INTERESTING FACT: As a child of the RAF, I have travelled to many countries and developed a passion of travelling. These countries include Gibraltar, Germany, Ascension Island, Australia, Qatar, France, Cyprus, American Canada, Mauritius, Seychelles, Greece, Iceland, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Turkey, Macedonia, Spain, Serbia, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Thailand, Malasia, Cambodia and, Portugal.
I am directly related to Plantagenet royalty; I am the 26th great granddaughter of King Henry III.
