The Garage’s inclusive dance, music and drama participants were on cloud nine after a surprise visit from Strictly Come Dancing stars. 

It Takes Two presenters Janette Manrara and Fleur East were joined by professional dancers Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Neil Jones, Nancy Xu, Nadiya Bychkova, Jowita Przystal and Michelle Tsiakkas.

It was for a special film which aired during Sunday night's Strictly Come Dancing results show - about the Norwich charity’s work funded by BBC Children in Need.

Norwich Evening News: The stars of Strictly with participants and staff from The GarageThe stars of Strictly with participants and staff from The Garage (Image: The Garage)

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The class, which was led by participation programme manager Hannah Bullent, had just finished their warm-up when Janette and Fleur arrived.

The pair then revealed that they had brought some friends with them.

Karen, Gorka, Neil, Nancy, Nadiya, Jowita and Michelle treated everyone to a routine choreographed to the song Proud Mary.

Norwich Evening News: Some of the stars of Strictly with participants from The GarageSome of the stars of Strictly with participants from The Garage (Image: The Garage)

They then asked participants to show them their moves and joined in with a big group dancing session.

The surprise visit got 10s all round from the lucky participants.

Janette Manrara said: “It is so wonderful to see that the donations from BBC Children In Need are going to such beautiful causes.

"It was so brilliant to see The Garage in person and how happy it makes all the children. It really is very humbling."

Norwich Evening News: Strictly professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas meet participants at The GarageStrictly professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas meet participants at The Garage (Image: The Garage)

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Fleur East added: “It was such a joy to meet the children and staff at The Garage in Norwich.

"All of the children love it there and I could see their faces light up during the dance activity."

Norwich Evening News: Strictly It Takes Two presenter Janette ManraraStrictly It Takes Two presenter Janette Manrara (Image: The Garage)

Natalie Songer, The Garage’s inclusion and engagement manager, said: “BBC Children in Need has supported The Garage since 2016, which enables the running of our Inclusion and Engagement department.

This involves our Foundations and Big Breaks programmes for young people facing challenges, our community outreach work and our work in schools."

Find out more at thegarage.org.uk/support