Milton Keynes police commander ready for Celebrity JustDance competition

Thames Valley Police's Commander for Milton Keynes will be competing in the Celebrity JustDance 2016 competition on Saturday to raise money for charity.

Gez Chiariello will be making his moves in the live dance competition at the Arena:MK as one of 12 well known local faces partnering-up with professional dancers to raise money for Willen Hospice.

Supt Chiariello has been practising over the past eight weeks with his professional dance partner to learn the cha-cha, the foxtrot and a ‘Cops and Robbers’-themed freestyle performance for the competition, which has been dubbed the Milton Keynes equivalent of Strictly Come Dancing.

So far, Supt Chiariello has raised more than £1,700 via his Just Giving webpage and he is keen to encourage people to vote for him.

Supt Chiariello said: “I am stepping way out of my comfort zone by doing this, but it is all to support Willen Hospice, a great local charity specialising in care for people living with cancer and life-limiting illnesses.

“I have not danced since my university days and, even then, my two left feet came to the fore. I have been working hard to rise to the challenge of performing on Saturday in the hope I will remain upright.

“I would encourage everyone to vote for me by text during the evening – after each dance there will be a half-hour window to vote, so that will be your chance to do so. I will post the numbers on my Twitter account @GezChiariello.

“Also please visit my Just Giving webpage and donate.”

Tickets for the event are available from £25 - to book your table, contact JustDance Academy on 07541 220602.