'Strictly' stars visit army troops

Strictly Come Dancing's stars have visited the troops at the Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire.

Professional dancer Kristina Rihanoff, soap star Ali Bastian and ex-EastEnders actor Ricky Groves made the trip to offer tips to the servicemen, who are taking part in their own competition Soldier Come Dancing. The ballroom dancing contest will raise funds for the charity SSAFA Forces.

Celebrities Laila Rouass, Natalie Cassidy, Jade Johnson, Craig Kelly and Chris Hollins also made the trip.

"It's a real privilege to be here. It's the least we can do. Soldier Come Dancing has really snowballed," Groves told The Sun. "I think it's going to be huge and we are really pleased that Strictly has inspired it."

Bastian added: "My grandfather was in the army so it means a lot to me to be able to meet the soldiers fighting on the front line. They were on amazing form and if anything it was they who lifted our spirits. We jived the morning away at the barracks and I loved it."

Strictly continues on Saturday at 6.25pm on BBC One.