Sequins will be flashing and toes tapping this month at the Strictly Come Hospice second showcase final, which sees the latest batch of couples battle it out in Ballroom and Latin dancing categories.

Based on the popular television show Strictly Come Dancing, the hospice version is a light-hearted fundraising event and the final is a good night’s entertainment into the bargain.

Among the contestants are Lauren De Vere, 47, and David Stokes, 68. Lauren, from Rickmansworth, says she heard about the contest in the Watford Observer and was inspired to take part after her father received hospice care.

“My father died last year and although it was not in Watford, he was treated in a hospice and they do wonderful work,” says Lauren. “I’ve always loved dancing but have only done the usual embarrassing disco-type dancing before but I thought it would be a lovely thing to do together with my partner. The only concern he had was that at 68 he was worried about falling apart. I told him if Pamela Stevenson can do it on Strictly then he has no excuse.”

Lauren has been quite frugal when it comes to costumes, jazzing up outfits from her wardrobe with jewellery and accessories rather than splashing out on a new frock. The couple have not stinted when it comes to practise, however.

“I live not far from William Penn Leisure Centre and the manager has let us use the dance studio. We go there to practise every day. It has a wooden floor and mirror just like they use in the training weeks on Strictly, it’s literally like that.”

The couples have also been put through their paces at the YMCA by tutors from Moonglow Dance Studios.

I ask Lauren what’s the best advice she’s had from the teachers.

“Smile. It’s got to the point now where we’ve remembered the routines and can enjoy the dancing without being obsessed with what step comes next.”

Lauren and David have set up a web page and are competing to see who can raise the most.

“David is winning at the moment,” says Lauren, “but I’m hoping to be the ultimate winner.”

Meanwhile Jeff Carter from Bushey got involved in the dance-off because he owed his wife Sharon a favour.

“I spent last year running marathons up and down country so this partly my penance for that,” says Jeff. “She saw friends perform at the first final and decided she’d like to try it as well.”

So will Jeff be gliding across the floor like Fred Astaire?

“I don’t think I’d ever describe myself as a natural mover. There’s a lot to remember, I’m just still trying to programme myself to do everything in the right order – but I end up taking huge leaps and strides and my poor wife has to try and keep up.”

Sharon, 39, and Jeff, 42, have been putting in extra hours on the dance floor whenever they can get it.

“We have once formal lesson a week and can access the dance studio when we like as well as making the most of the space in our kitchen and rest of the house. You need a big floor area to do the quickstep, but we’re enjoying it now as we’ve got our heads round the basics. We’ve set it to a modern piece, so there’s a bit more theatrics involved.”

The Peace Hospice presents the showcase final of Strictly Come Hospice, at the Watersmeet Theatre, Rickmansworth on Friday, April 15 at 7.30pm. Details and tickets: 01923 335340 or email fundraising@peacehospice.org.uk