THE nation’s favourite soap stars will be showing off their best moves as they take part in a Strictly Come Dancing-type contest at the Macron Stadium.

And lining up as judges will be Bury favourites, actress and new star of Key 10, Gemma Atkinson, retired footballer Jason Jarrett as well and boxer Scott Quigg.

Stars of Emmerdale have spent their spare time training for the glittering charity ball to raise money for a number of cancer charities.

The glamorous night has been organised by Julie Garrity, whose son Jonathan successfully fought testicular cancer, and June Burns, from Oldham, whose husband has a rare form of myeloma.

Those taking to the dance floor will be Samantha Giles who plays Bernice; Katherine Dow Blyton, the vicar; Joe Gill, who plays Finn Barton; Michael Parr, who plays Ross Barton; Liam Fox, who plays Dan Spencer, and Amy Walsh, who plays Tracy Metcalfe.

Anthony Quinlan, who plays Pete Barton, will also be attending to support his fellow actors.

The night will be hosted by Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard, and Matthew Wolfenden, who plays David Metcalfe in the hit soap.

Huge fans will have a chance for a meet and greet with the stars before the start of the dance show.

Mrs Garrity said: “My reason for organising this was for Jonathan who was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 18.

“He has been given the all-clear and is fine, he runs his own business and is a success.

“June’s charity is Callm. Her husband has a rare form of myeloma and despite a 12-month remission it has returned and he is being treated at Royal Manchester.

She added: “I will never be able to pay back the young oncology unit for saving Jonathan’s life but it is so important for us to give back.

“The money will fund leisure equipment and computers for the young people who are being treated at The Christie as this is all funded through donations. For June and Russ it is so important that money is raised for research into myeloma.”

Mrs Garrity said that initially the evening was to have been a dance-off competition for the public but the overwhelming response meant they were able to have a celebrity contest.

“June had a contact but she couldn’t make it and asked others and we had so many celebrities saying they wanted to take part,” said Mrs Garrity, “The celebrities have been amazing.”

Highlights for both families will include Jonathan, who is now 26, taking to the dance floor with Amy Walsh, and his brother Mark dancing with Mrs Burns daughter Jodie Brewer, who are IDTA British Dance Champions.

The event takes place on May 5 at Bolton Whites Hotel and tickets start from £50, which includes a three-course meal and the dancing show, while VIP tickets are priced at £75, which includes a champagne reception and a chance to meet the starts as well as a front row table to the dance floor.

Money raised will go to Callm, a charity based at Manchester Royal Infirmary, The Christie and Manchester Royal Infirmary Hospital Charity.To book tickets, email burns.j7@sky.com or m.garrity@sky.com or ring 07810486207 or 07708691089.