Strictly runner-up Danny Mac pulls out of Shropshire charity event

Severn Hospice, which provides care to families across Shropshire and Mid Wales living with incurable illnesses, had booked the Strictly star to appear at its female-only sponsored walks on April 8 and May 13 next year.

But the hospice says he will now be unable to attend, due to other commitments.

Danny was due to appear at the popular Cinderella Midnight Walks, which see hundreds of women step out on the streets around Shrewsbury and Telford, raise thousands of pounds for the charity every year.

Severn Hospice was hoping Danny, who was announced as a runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing's finale over the weekend, would provide a boost to its events and encourage more women to sign up than ever before.

Lucy Ruff, Severn Hospice Fundraising manager, said: "We saw speculation in the press yesterday about Danny's new musical and were a bit worried when we saw the scheduled dates as they clashed with both Cinderella Midnight Walks.

"We were incredibly disappointed when his agent finally confirmed the news to us this afternoon that Danny would not be able to attend anymore.

"We booked Danny back in October to encourage as many local women as possible to sign up for our event, but his success on Strictly over recent weeks has resulted in him being offered a role on the stage. "Whilst we are obviously disappointed, we wish him every success with his new musical and congratulate him on getting to the Strictly final.

"We wanted to let people know as soon as we had the news confirmed.

"We know that there will be lots of disappointed ladies out there who had already signed up to take part in our walks next year and were hoping to meet our Prince Charming but we promise that the events will still be a great night for all our wonderful walkers."

Registration is now open for the walks and during December walkers can sign up for the early bird price of £15, which includes commemorative Cinderella Midnight Walk T-shirt.

For more information about the walks, or to register online, visit severnhospice.org.uk

Alternatively call the fundraising team on 01952 221 351 or email events@severnhospice.org.uk