They’ve received the opportunity of a lifetime, trained tirelessly with a professional dancer and been glammed up head to toe in preparation for the big moment.

This evening we watched six members of the public strut their stuff on the ballroom floor in Comic Relief’s The People’s Strictly in a bid to win the coveted Glitter Ball trophy.

For one night only, Strictly star Anton du Beke hung up his dancing shoes and took his seat on the judging panel next to Len, Darcey and Bruno to replace Craig who was otherwise engaged in Australia.

Trishna Bharadia on The People's Strictly
(BBC)

Kicking off the all important night was Trishna Bharadia dancing the jive in honour of all those who live with multiple sclerosis (MS), just as she does.

“You’re like a beautiful daffodil – bright, lovely and a joy to watch,” Len gushed, as the other judges continued to flood her with praise.

When it came down to the all-important scoring, Anton, Darcey, Len waved their 9s enthusiastically as Bruno held up his 8.

Michael Pattie sashayed onto the ballroom next to try out the Tango in memory of his teenage son Dave, who died from meningitis in 1999.

Michael Pattie on The People's Strictly
(BBC)

“There was no perhaps about it, that was a spirited performance. I’m sure your boy is looking down on you and he would be so proud,” Len said as we all got a bit teary-eyed.

Anton, Darcey and Bruno all scored Michael’s Tango an 8, while Len was adamant to award the Scotsman a 9.

Cassidy Little, a former Royal Marine medic who lost his right leg below the knee during a tour of Afghanistan, was next to put on a fiery performance of the Paso Doble.

“It’s such a difficult dance to do through posture and attitude and you pulled that off so exquisitely well!” Anton exclaimed, while Darcey was speechless in awe.

Cassidy Little on The People's Strictly
(BBC)

“Your charisma is astonishing, I’m not giving you any credit you don’t deserve. That was one of the most compelling performances I have seen,” Bruno raved.

And their admiration was mirrored in the scores as Cassidy bagged four impressive 10s, the first of the night.

Next to shine on ballroom floor was Heather Parson, who once contracted the flesh-eating bug necrotising fasciitis, dancing a delicate Viennese Waltz.

Heather Parson on The People's Strictly
(BBC)

“You created a piece of magic, Heather. It was dreamy,” Darcey gushed after the performance, which looked like a magnificent scene out of Frozen.

“Honestly, you are the queen of Vienna,” Len added and Heather was scored generous 9s all round.

Last episode, we watched Phil Barnett tear a ligament in his knee during training but this evening he came back fighting, dancing the American Smooth Foxtrot.

Phil Barnett on The People's Strictly
(BBC)

“Big spender, I’m going to call you big splendour. You can put on the Ritz and the glitz. I absolutely loved it!” squealed Bruno, as the other judges nodded furiously.

Just as Cassidy did, Phil, the funraiser who set up a theatre for disadvantaged children, wiped the floor with a whopping four 10s.

Last to strut their stuff was Anna Kennedy, who had started an autism awareness charity, who showed what she was made of dancing the Charleston.

“There is only one word to describe that performance, FABOULOUS!” exclaimed Bruno, as Anna embraced her partner Robin Windsor.

Anton, Darcey, Len and Bruno all scored Anna sparkling 10s making her the third dancer of the night to bag full marks.

The judges on The People's Strictly
(BBC)

The judges have scored but it’s up to the viewers to vote for their favourite dance and winner of The People’s Strictly, who’ll be revealed on March 13.