Final Countdown: Strictly Air Ambulance Returns to Brentwood Mother’s Day Weekend

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance  is gearing up for the return of its much-loved Strictly Air Ambulance fundraiser, as the dance spectacular prepares to take over the Brentwood Centre once again. With nearly half of all tickets already sold, audiences are urged to book early to avoid missing out on one of the charity’s most eagerly anticipated nights of the year.

Taking place on Saturday 14th March 2026, the fourteenth year of the flagship event follows last year’s outstanding success, which raised an incredible £58,000 to help keep EHAAT’s helicopters flying and critical care teams responding when every second counts. The dance spectacular lands perfectly on Mother’s Day weekend, making it an ideal gift or memorable night out to celebrate mums, families and loved ones.

Sponsored by Milbank Concrete Products, alongside VIP sponsors G&G Gallo, Strictly Air Ambulance 2026 is set to be bigger, bolder and brighter than ever. Hosted once again by EHAAT charity ambassador Lisa Snowdon and ITV presenter David Whiteley, the evening will see seven local contestants from a range of industries paired with professional dancers, performing ballroom and Latin routines inspired by a brand-new “TV & Film” theme, all in pursuit of the coveted Glitterball Trophy.

Adding extra sparkle to the night, the event will feature special performances from Strictly Come Dancing star Vincent Simone and his professional partner Victoria Martin. The judging panel will bring together star power and expertise, including television personality and influencer Dani Dyer, Chelmsford Dance Centre Director and Head Judge Phil Meacham, and British national professional showdance champion Ben Milan-Vega.
Audiences can expect a varied mix of dance styles, from timeless ballroom routines inspired by the glamour of the 1930s to high-energy Latin performances. The evening will also feature a playful touch of movie magic, with theatrical routines inspired by much-loved family films, complemented by a bold and dramatic tango with roots in musical theatre.

This year’s Strictly Air Ambulance 2026 couples are:

Gaby Giedraite (Colchester) & Bruce Lait

Mike Flood (Brentwood) & Jody De’Ath

Amelia Storey (Colchester) & Caleb Arslan

Bradley Collyer (Potters Bar) & Terri Bodell

Anna Staunton (Colchester) & Hayden Wise

Dean Vale (Chelmsford) & Elise Meacham

Sara Tupper (Heybridge) & Martin Adkins

Momentum is building as contestants embark on months of training while raising vital funds for the cause with dancers setting a collective fundraising target of £14,000.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mark Jarman-Howe, CEO of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, said: “Strictly Air Ambulance is always a highlight of our fundraising calendar. The commitment shown by our dancers, sponsors and supporters helps ensure our crews can continue delivering advanced pre-hospital emergency care to those who need us most. We’re incredibly excited to see everyone come together again this March.”

Date: 14th March 2026

Time: 7pm till 10:30pm
Venue: The Brentwood Centre

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked: https://ehaat.org/strictly/.

BACK TO LATEST NEWS