EMMERDALE stars were in full swing as they rehearsed their ballroom moves for a spectacular show which will see them going head-to-head in a Strictly Come Dancing-type show.

They are busy rehearsing for the charity event organised by Julie Garrity, from Bury, whose son Jonathan successfully fought testicular cancer, and June Burns, from Oldham, whose husband has a rare form of myeloma.

Samantha Giles, who plays Bernice, hit the dance floor with her dance partner Prince Jack Clegg to perfect her quick step moves, while Liam Fox who plays Dan Spencer, was getting in some practise with student and dancer Vanessa Wong at Trujons Dance School in Oldham.

Samantha said: "Julie and June are an inspiration – they have organised this charity night completely by themselves and we wanted to help.

"I have always wanted to dance and this is an opportunity to do that while doing something worthwhile. It has been really nice to do something different."

"It will be a great show, and on the night, there will be live music. I am very competitive and want to do well for Jack. I am terrified and I need to work on my timing

"Some of the cast have been putting up videos of rehearsals and we have all been sneaking a look."

Liam added: "I have danced since I went to the Hacienda 30 years ago!

"I need to dance rather than a wobble! I have really been enjoying it and that's the great thing about this job – we get to do things like this."

Also at the rehearsal was Jason Jarrett, a retired professional footballer who played for a number of clubs including Bury. He said: "When the music starts I am tempted to take to the dance floor, I think I am Justin Timberlake when I dance but the reality is very different! So I think I'm on the right side of the dance floor.

"I have seen the contestants at rehearsal and one or two have been really outstanding. I can't say who but they looked like professionals.

"It will be nice as it is a charity event."

The two organisers say they are thrilled the TV stars have given up their time to help make the night a success. Others taking part include Katherine Dow Blyton, who plays the vicar, Joe Gill, who plays Finn Barton, Michael Parr, who plays Ross Barton and Amy Walsh, who plays Tracy Metcalfe.

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

Judges will be Bury actress and new star of Key 103 Gemma Atkinson, Jason Jarrett as well as Bury boxer Scott Quigg.

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

Mrs Garrity, whose other son Mark is a professional dancer, has been offering tips to the stars. She said: "The stars have been amazing, they have been superb. They all just wanted to help and have tweeted about the night."

The show is taking place on May 5 at Bolton Whites Hotel and tickets start from £50, which include a three course meal and the dancing show. VIP tickets, priced at £75, include a champagne reception and a chance to meet the stars.

Money raised will go to callm, a cancer charity based at the Manchester Royal Infirmary, The Christie and the Manchester Royal Infirmary Hospital Charity.

To book tickets email burns.j7@sky.com or m.garrity@sky.com or ring 07810486207 or 07708691089.