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Keep dancing - Cheshire's own 'Mr Strictly', aka Mark Farrugia, on how to get fit in 2026

By Deborah Bowyer   4th Jan 2026

Mark Farrugia set up his dance classes after being inspired by 'Strictly Come Dancing'. (Photo: Mark Farrugia)
Mark Farrugia set up his dance classes after being inspired by 'Strictly Come Dancing'. (Photo: Mark Farrugia)

Strictly Come Dancing might be over for another year - at least for 2025 - but many revellers might have sore feet after dancing the night away at New Year celebrations.

And for some, one of their New Year resolutions might be to lose weight and get fit for 2026 which is what members of Cheshire's own 'Mr Strictly' aka dance teacher Mark Farrugia classes do when they attend his weekly workouts.

Mark Farrugia used to drive a security van round delivering money to banks and building societies but now the Maltese-born dancer is driving people crazy on the dance floor.

He uses the Strictly formula to teaching people some of his fancy footwork as well as helping them to get fit after setting up 'Strictly Latin Dance Fit Class/FITSTEPS' which take place all over the area including Alsager.

Mark's dance classes inspired by Strictly are busier than ever. (Photo: Nub News)

Mark, like members of his popular classes, loves watching 'Strictly Come Dancing', looking out for the dancing moves and watching how the programme is put together. He has danced professionally so is familiar with dancing to large audiences.

Mark taking to the floor in a professional competition. (Photo: Mark Farrugia)

This year's 'Strictly Come Dancing' saw former Lioness Karen Carney crowned this year's Strictly Come Dancing winner - the first footballer to lift the legendary glitterball trophy.

Karen, paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu, beat Love Islander Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke, to take this year's trophy.

Mark Farrugia set up his 'Strictly' inspired dance classes following the success of the popular show. (Photo: Mark Farrugia)

Mark said: "It's seems like every year the best dancer doesn't win but the one who makes the most progress. In my eyes on merit, Amber was the most accomplished dancer, but Karen had a great journey. She became a great dancer .

"You know people always like an underdog. Amber was always at a disadvantage, as the public didn't like the fact she was already a dancer. So overall, Strictly-wise Karen was the right choice and I'm not surprised the public chose her."

What are your New Year resolutions? Is getting fit one of them or maybe taking up dancing? Share your New Year resolutions with readers in the comments below.

     

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