Contestants please take to the floor: it’s Dancing Strictly London 2025
Maccabi GB's glittering celebration of dance, dedication and community giving raises more than £30k
The spotlight was shining bright at the Arts Depot on Sunday 2 November as Maccabi GB’s Dancing Strictly London 2025 made its dazzling debut in front of an audience of nearly 400 guests, raising more than £30k for key Jewish causes.
Hosted by award-winning comedian and broadcaster Rachel Creeger, the event saw 12 community participants take to the dance floor, each performing with a professional dance partner after months of training and fundraising for a charity close to their heart.
The dancers were Debbie Marks (supporting Jami, part of Jewish Care); Deborah Lack (ORT UK); Eve Gee (JLGB); Joanna Leviton (Chai Cancer Care); Karin Zamek (Jewish Women’s Aid); Laura Swabe (Leket UK); Laurel Ingram (JVN); Leah Malkinson (Maccabi GB); Jewish News‘ own Michelle Rosenberg (Jewish Child’s Day); Natalie Grazin (Limmud); Talia Aziz (Kisharon Langdon); and Wendy Pater (The Malki Foundation UK).
Each contestant brought passion, commitment, and a touch of sparkle to their performance, from fiery Latin and elegant ballroom to high-energy modern numbers.
The judging panel consisted of Vanessa Feltz, the head judge; founder of Dream of Dance Joan Lee; professional choreographer and performer Ilai Szpiezak; and dancer Jessica Sidoli.
Their expert feedback, combined with an audience vote, led to two winners being announced on the night: The Judges’ Winner was Karin Zamek while the audience winner was Leah Malkinson.
Karin Zamek said “Taking part in Dancing Strictly London has been one of the most joyful and rewarding experiences of my life. Every step, every rehearsal, and every laugh was made even more meaningful knowing it was all for such a wonderful cause. Winning it was beyond my wildest dreams and the real prize was seeing how dance and community spirit can come together to make a real difference.”
Catching her breath after her performance, Joanna Leviton said: “Wow, what a night. THANK YOU to everyone who took part and all who donated. So, so proud of everyone who stepped out their comfort zone and into the ballroom. The scores, the audience, the atmosphere was A-MA-ZING.”
Laurel Ingram added: “Our Dancing Strictly London, run by Maccabi GB was an absolute fabulous success. All the 12 dancers were dazzling on the stage and we all raised a huge amount of money for our individual charity. Vanessa Feltz’s comments were so eloquently and meaningful about everyone. Keep dancing everyone, remember if you don’t use you lose it!”
Eve Gee said: “What a spectacular day of glitter and glamour! I loved meeting the other fabulous contestants who had worked so hard on their performances. Sharing stories, celebrating our achievements and learning more about each other’s chosen charities was magical. I’m not THE best, but I did MY best, and I’m proud to have been a part of it!”
This was the first time Maccabi GB has hosted Dancing Strictly London, inspired by the success of the event created by Manchester Maccabi, who have proudly run their own version for the past ten years. The London edition continues that legacy, bringing together the community through dance, friendship, and giving.
Thanking the dancers and everyone who made the night possible, Maccabi GB chief executive Ashley Lerner said: “We’ve laughed, cheered and supported these remarkable charity dancers, who have put themselves out there, not just to win the glitter ball, but as we have heard, to raise funds and awareness for their charities and to bring that important Jewish joy to us all.
Paying tribute to the horrific attack which took place at Heaton Park Synagogue on Yom Kippur, he added: “Tonight’s event also comes at a time when our thoughts are with our friends and family in Manchester. We remember with love and respect Adrian Daulby z”l and Melvin Cravitz z”l.
“In their honour and in their memory, the Jewish community will never stop doing what we do best, coming together, celebrating life, and bringing Jewish joy to one another.”
Lerner concluded the evening by saying “At Maccabi GB, we believe in building a healthy, active and proud Jewish community, integrated within British society. And tonight, we have truly seen that in action.”
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