Stansted Strictly superfan Brenda Grebol, 83, receives personal video message from semi-finalists Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola

An 83-year-old Stansted care home resident has vowed to ‘keeep dancing!’ after receiving a personal video message from Strictly Come Dancing stars Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola.

Brenda Grebol was delighted to hear from the actress and her professional dance partner as she is a superfan of the BBC One show, which is enjoyed by many residents at Mountfitchet House Care Home in Coltsfield every weekend.

The duo, who have reached Saturday’s (Dec 7) semi-final of the TV dance competition, recorded their special video for Brenda after hearing that the care home had organised a dance lesson for her as a treat.

Dance teacher Maxine Williams, from Bishop’s Stortford’s Apton Dance Studio, taught her the jive, cha cha and waltz at Birchanger village hall.

Sarah Hadland, best known as Stevie in the sitcom Miranda, said to Brenda: “So, my tip would be ‘listen to your teacher’ - I mean that’s a bit rich, Brenda, coming from me cos I don’t always listen!”

While Italian dancer Vito, who joined the show in 2022 and won last year’s Glitterball Trophy with actress Ellie Leach, advised her: “Dance with your heart.”

Brenda said: “I’m over the moon and can’t believe Vito and Sarah have sent me a video! I took their advice on board and really danced with my heart and listened to my teacher.

“I just loved the feeling of dancing in a big hall with the music in my ears, and it was truly special to have my daughter, Theresa, and my friend, Marion, there to enjoy the moment with me.

“Maxine was a superb teacher and I look forward to seeing her again for more dancing.”

Staff at the care home decided to make Brenda’s dance wish come true after hearing her fond memories of dancing when she was younger.

The lesson for her was part of Care UK’s ‘Wishing Tree’ initiative, which encourages residents to put forward their wishes, enabling them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something new that they have always wanted to do.

Brenda began dancing with school friends at 11. Later, she danced at a social club in Dagenham which was also attended by the late England footballer and manager Terry Venables. Her favourite styles of dance include the jive and rock ‘n’ roll.

One of Brenda’s most cherished memories of dancing is with her husband, Lorenzo, in Spain, where the couple first met. They enjoyed learning from the locals, where they would copy their moves and take tips so they could join in and dance at traditional events.

Care home manager Joanna Duke said: “We watch Strictly together in the home every Saturday and Sunday, which brings back fond memories for Brenda of dancing when she was younger, so when she expressed an interest in taking a dancing class we knew we had to make it happen.

“She had a wonderful afternoon dancing – she’s already talking about going back!

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to Sarah and Vito for sharing their advice with Brenda, and to Maxine for helping make Brenda’s wish come true.”