CELEBRITY dancers Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova jived their way to The Apartment to give Strictly Come Dancing fans professional tips.

The pair danced with members of the SalsaSwindon dance group as part of a masterclass in jive.

More than 100 people turned up to see their idols, who had great fun teasing their audience about their return to Strictly in the autumn.

“Would you like to know who we’re partnered with for Strictly? So would I,” said a cheeky Darren, who said he knows little about what’s in store in the next series.

As well as teaching the packed floor the essential moves to jive, Darren and Lilia opened up about their time on Strictly Come Dancing.

“I was dancing with Letitia Dean and I had to slide through her legs – which takes a lot of practice,” said Darren.

“During rehearsal I went to slide and left it a little too late – maybe I won’t be doing that too much this series.”

The pair also gave the crowd an insight into their fame since joining the series.

“We went shopping one Sunday and were walking past this lady sitting on a mobility scooter thing,” said Darren.

“She was driving past us, slowed down and shouted ‘you’re my favourite’ to Lilia and drove off. It was probably the funniest thing I have ever seen. I was in bits.”

Strictly Come Dancing fan Margaret Barry said she wouldn’t have missed Friday night’s event for the world.

“They are so very impressive,” she said. “And they look just as lovely in person as they do on the show.”

Margaret travelled from Marlborough with friends Caroline Loveday and Micky Graham for the evening.

“Micky and Caroline just wanted to watch but I love dance so I was on my feet the whole time,” she said.

Anne Cole, who runs SalsaSwindon with friend Joy Maddison, says the Strictly Come Dancing series has swept viewers off their feet.

“They come here because they love to see the professional dancers plus they teach them so well, it’s a great night out,” said Anne.

“Darren and Lilia are just as impressive in the flesh as they are on screen and people go away feeling like they have taken back some real knowledge from them.”

For information about the dance group SalsaSwindon log on to www.salsaswindon.com.