ONE of the stars of Strictly Come Dancing has urged men in Oxford to leave their shyness at the door and enter a competition.

Professional dancer Robin Windsor tangoed and jived with the likes of Patsy Kensit and Lisa Riley during his five-season stint on the BBC’s flagship show.

Now the dance pro will serve as a judge for Strictly Oxford in May – and he’s told men they’ll have the time of their lives if they just give it a go.

Mr Windsor, 37, said: “Every time I do something like a beginner dance class I see these men who are dragged their by their wives, partners and girlfriends – but then by the end of it they enjoy it the most.

“Once you have a go it becomes an addiction. You just can’t stop and want to learn more and more.

“So I say get up and go for it. They’ll have the time of their lives. As much as it is hard work to learn something new it’s also great exercise as well – and they’ll be raising money for charity.”

Strictly Oxford, which has raised more than £150,000 for Vale House, will return for its sixth year with a 'Night at the Movies' theme.

It will offer a total of 24 dancers the opportunity to learn how to perform an American smooth, a waltz and a jive routine in just eight weeks before the grand finale in front of family and friends at Oxford New Theatre on Sunday, May 28.

With rehearsals starting next month, organisers at Step by Step dance school are pleased to have enough women taking part. But they remain desperate for men to put themselves forward.

Founder of the school Andrzej Mialkowski said: “It’s just that first step. I’ve seen plenty of men who didn’t think they’d like it and then they end up carrying on when it’s over.

“It’s just about breaking the ice and they’ll be okay. It’s an opportunity for them to prove to their wives or girlfriends or daughters that they can do it.

“It’s great fun and they get the opportunity to dance at the New Theatre, which is not something everybody will have the opportunity to do in life.”

Last year’s competition, which follows the format of the hit BBC show, was won by Dan Bond, head of performance and analysis at Oxford Utd.

For more information or to apply email jo@danceschool-stepbystep.com or find the event's Facebook page by searching for Strictly Oxford.

Vale House is a care home that specialises in looking after people with late stage dementia however severe or complicated.

To find out more go to valehouse.org.uk