WATCH: Guest celebrity judge revealed as applications open for Strictly Inverness 2024

A Highland charity have announced the return of a hit dance fundraising event, with Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice set to join the judging panel.

Strictly Inverness will return for its 13th edition in 2024 and applications for aspiring participants are opening today (Friday, September 22).

The event, which raises funds for both Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre, will take place from May 8, 2024 to May 11 and the competition will include same sex couples for the first time.

Highland Hospice fundraiser Carrie Macdonald commented: "We are so excited to be welcoming Giovanni to Inverness next May. He is a huge household name, particularly for Strictly fans, We are all going to be following him and hoping he does well on the current series, where he's partnered with Amanda Abbington.The ladies are going to go wild for him!"

She added, "The other big news this year is that we will be introducing same sex couples for the first time, which will give the competition an added refresh!

"If anyone out there has been considering applying for Strictly Inverness but putting it off, why not make 2024 your year to do something truly different? All you need is to be over 18, have little or no dance experience – and, most importantly, be prepared to give fundraising your absolute everything for both ourselves and Inverness Ice Centre."

Strictly Inverness is the biggest fundraising event held annually for both Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre.

Last year's four-night extravaganza raised a staggering total of £250,000 for the charities.

Previous celebrity guest judges for the Saturday final have been Anton du Beke, Flavia Cacace-Mistry and last year, Aljaz Scorjanec and Janette Manrana.

Thirty-two novices are brought on board, partnered with each other and then trained by the expert group of dance tutors employed by the charities, between January and May. Couples will perform in front of an audience of 600 people and a panel of judges on the Thursday or Friday semi-finals, resulting in the final eight couples battling it in Saturday's Grand Final to determine the overall winner.

To apply to dazzle on the dancefloor next year, please visit: www.highlandhospice.org/strictly

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