A COMMUNITY mental health nurse is swapping her uniform for a ballgown and heading to Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens to take part in the 'Strictly NHS' dance competition. 

Louise Pickin, from Cullingworth, is one of 12 NHS staff selected from more than 2,000 applicants chosen to take part in the star-spangled final - in front of a judging panel which includes Giovanni Pernice, who reached the Strictly Come Dancing final with Georgia May Foote in 2015, Debbie McGee in 2017 and Faye Tozer in 2018; Amy Dowden, a finalist in 2019 with Karim Zeroual; and Flavia Cacace-Mistry, who won the Glitterball Trophy in 2012 with Olympic gymnast, Louis Smith.

Of the twelve NHS contestants, chosen ‘blind’ from audition videos sent to the organisers from across the UK, six are from Yorkshire. 

And for Louise, who works for Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust’s South and West Community Mental Health Team, it will fulfil a lifetime’s dream to dance with a professional in an internationally-renowned venue.

Six of the couples will perform a ballroom number and the other six a Latin dance, under the scrutiny of the judging panel.

Louise, a self-confessed Strictly superfan, and her professional dance partner Adam Brunyee from Doncaster, will waltz to the Commodores’ 'Three Times a Lady'. Training has been tricky due to lockdown and the final itself had to be postponed and then the venue changed because of the pandemic.

She said: “I found out I was in the final 12 in early December and we were originally due to have six weeks training ahead of the live event in February at Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

"But with increased restrictions due to Covid-19 and renovations starting on the Tower Ballroom, it was decided to move the final to June at the Winter Gardens.

“I’ve had to do a lot of my training online rather than with my partner, so it was great to actually meet Adam in person in April. We’ve been practicing as much as possible since then, whilst of course observing all the correct procedures to stay safe.”

Although restrictions are easing, only 1000 people (a quarter of the usual capacity at the Winter Gardens) will be able to attend the live final, so the event will be livestreamed.

Hosted by former Strictly dancer and Take 2 regular, Ian Waite, Strictly NHS promises to be just as much fun as the tv show. 

“I’m beside myself with excitement, and fear,” she said.

“I always watch Strictly as complete escapism from the demands of my job – and now I can hardly believe I’ll be performing in front of the dancers I love to watch. It’s a dream come true.

“I’ve enjoyed watching how the celebrities who take part learn to dance and now know how they feel. The professionals make it look so easy but it really does feel alien when you’re just starting out.

"I’ve had to learn how to stand, hold my head and move my body properly. As for my feet, I’ve never worn ballroom shoes before and I’ve never had blisters like these."

The event will be held on Friday, June 4.

Tickets are available at www.wintergardensplus.co.uk or for the livestream at page.inplayer.com/strictly-NHS.

Louise said: “I think we all need some Strictly in our lives after lockdown and all proceeds go to NHS charities, so whether you come to the live event or watch online you’ll be supporting a good cause.”