SOME of Oxford’s most successful residents are leaving their comfort zones behind for this year’s Strictly Oxford.

A museum director, a radio DJ and a police superintendent are among the 16 contestants recruited for the annual charity event, inspired by BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Together with an experienced dance partner they will perform the American Smooth waltz, jive and freestyle dances at the New Theatre on Saturday, April 25.

They will be matched with dance partners and rehearse this Saturday at the Step By Step Dance School in Headington.

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Contestant Tish Francis, from West Oxford, ran the Oxford Playhouse for 18 years and now co-directs the Story Museum in Pembroke Street.

She said: “I’m full of trepidation. The whole point of running a theatre is that you don’t go out on stage.’’ Since it began in 2012, the proceeds from Strictly Oxford have gone to Vale House, a 40-bed nursing home in Sandford Road providing specialist and endof- life care to people with dementia.

About £100,000 has been raised to date and organisers hope for a further £30,000 this year.

Representing the boys in blue is Superintendent Christian Bunt, Police Commander for Oxford, who said: “I’m petrified.

Policing is a doddle compared to this. But it’s for a good cause.”

Organiser Mary Carey said: “It’s the calm before the storm. But it’s amazing how they catch up.

“By the end you never know who has done any dancing before.”

Tickets cost from £10 and are available at atgtickets.com/shows/strictlyoxford-2015/new-theatre-oxford/

The contestants.

  • Annie Burns, Psychotherapist.
  • Jamie Anderson, Writer and producer.
  • Mat Carlile, Oxfordshire fire & rescue area manager.
  • Gary Smith, Radio DJ.
  • Nikki Poole, Solicitor’s practice owner.
  • Susan Salter, Accountant.
  • Claire Barwick, Property lawyer.
  • Nicky Powell, No information available.
  • Christian Bunt, Thames Valley Police Superintendent.
  • Kasia Kazmierczak, Vale House care assistant.
  • David Richmond, Magistrates legal adviser.
  • Tish Francis, Story Museum co-director.
  • Frank Webster, Property company vice chairman.
  • Michelle Codrington, School citizenship teacher.
  • Simon Daniel, Events organiser.