THE stage of Oxford’s New Theatre has played host to a very sequinned showdown.

Instead of the usual raft of soapstars and television presenters, it was university dons and authors who took part in the final of this year’s Strictly Oxford, the city’s own version of Strictly Come Dancing.

This is the second year the event was held to raise money for Vale House – a specialist dementia care home in Sandford – and it was banker Karl Leitelmayer who won.

The 41-year-old, who is a senior director at Lloyds TSB, said: “I didn’t expect it. Bankers are not very popular.

“I must have put in 60 hours of training so there was a lot of hard work and I had an amazing partner.”

The audience voted on which of the 16 couples was their favourite.

Mr Leitelmayer made it through to the final after performing a jive, an American smooth waltz and a freestyle dance in front of 700 audience members.

He was joined in the final by Shamus Donald, the regional managing director of Newsquest Oxfordshire, which publishes the Oxford Mail and The Oxford Times.

Another finalist, Professor Stephen Westaby, a heart surgeon at the John Radcliffe Hospital, said: “I didn’t think I was very good but I put some energy into it.

“It has been a great evening and I hope the audience enjoyed it because that’s the main thing.”

Other dancers included Dr Nick Brown, the principal of Linacre College, Lindsay Sandison, who runs the City of Oxford Orchestra, and deputy lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Brigadier Ian Inshaw.

The judges were BBC Radio Oxford presenter Bill Heine, choreographer Ian Banham and dance champion David Roberts.

The dance competition has raised more than £30,000 for the charity.

Richard Dick, chairman of the Vale House appeal, said: “The support for Vale House has been outstanding.

“These events are very important for us because of the money, the enjoyment and the publicity we get.”