Strictly Come Dancing stars visit Evelina Children’s Hospital

The visit was part of the show's Christmas special which was broadcast on 25 December.

Pupils at the hospital's school and patients got front row seats to watch professional dancers Kevin Clifton and Janette Manrara do a jive in front of the Christmas tree.

As part of the show, contestants Abbey Clancy and her dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec, Dragon's Den panellist Deborah Meaden and her partner Robin Windsor called into the hospital's school to meet pupils.

"It was a wonderful experience for everyone at the school. The pupils were so excited to see the cameras and meet the dancers, and the stars seemed really touched by the work we do here," said Anne Hamilton, Evelina Hospital School headteacher.

Although the Evelina London Children's Hospital is now located at the St Thomas' site in the borough of Lambeth, it was formerly located on the Guy's Hospital campus and Southwark remains the education authority responsible for the school attended by patients.

"The staff at Evelina Hospital School do amazing work, which I saw at first-hand when I visited, not only with the children they teach but the support they provide parents at what can be a very difficult and traumatic time," said
Cllr Dora Dixon Fyle, Southwark's cabinet member for children's services.

"I am very pleased this will be recognised by the show."

BBC Breakfast News presenter Susannah Reid and her partner Kevin Clifton, and actor Mark Benton and his partner Iveta Lukosiute visited patients on the wards.

Debbie Komaromy, matron on Mountain ward, said: "It was wonderful! There was such a positive feeling after the visit among all staff and families. The Strictly stars were very kind to take time out of their busy schedule to visit us. We will all be left with special memories."