05 Dec Second for Silverstone’s Strictly star
Silverstone Leasing’s ballroom superstar Sophie Norville waltzed into second place at the renowned local dance challenge Strictly Northampton 2025 on Friday night (28th November).
Sophie was delighted to take the runner-up title in the contest, which saw 36 couples dance in six groups of six at the Royal & Derngate, following months of intensive training.
Each couple performed one classic ballroom dance, either the jive or the waltz, and one Latin number – the tango or the cha cha cha – during the show, with just eight couples making it through to the final.
Sophie, who was encouraged to take part by husband and Silverstone Leasing managing director Scott Norville, said: “All the way through the experience, I just wanted to make it to the final eight couples and dance on the stage by myself, so I was absolutely blown away to not only make the final four but to take second place. I still can’t really believe it. It was phenomenal.”
The popular competition raised a staggering £48,000 for Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity and Step by Step Dance School, who organise the event, with Sophie’s individual fundraising efforts contributing a fantastic £1,735.
Sophie said: “I would 100% recommend the experience to others. It’s all for charity and it brings together so many people. Our group all got on really well. We’re all different ages and from all different walks of life, but it worked. This is just the beginning.”
Now Sophie and her newfound friends plan to continue their dance journey by taking a weekly class with Step by Step to work towards their dance medals, from bronze to gold.
Scott said: “From watching Strictly Northampton in the crowd to coming second on Friday night at the Royal & Derngate, it has been a real privilege to watch Sophie’s dance journey. I am so proud of her, she has been so dedicated and was nothing short of incredible on that stage.
“Sophie has come out of her comfort zone this year, from competing in the Summer Games at her gym to joining me in running the Northampton Half Marathon. She has trained hard for the success she has achieved and it is well deserved. I know Strictly Northampton is just the start of her dancing journey and I support her all the way.”
For more information about Silverstone Leasing, visit www.silverstoneleasing.com