Strictly Come Dancing stars have hosted members of the armed forces and the Chelsea Pensioners at a tea dance to mark the centenary of the Armistice.

More than 70 members of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force shared stories of service and their reflections on Remembrance with the celebrity contestants, their professional dance partners and Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas.

Image: An RAF Sergeant and Graziano Di Prima take to the floor and show off their moves

They also took to the floor at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the Chelsea Pensioners' historic home.

Serving personnel at the event took the opportunity to thank their predecessors for their bravery and dedication.

**STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01 SATURDAY 10 NOV 2018** Oti Mabuse dances with a soldier from the Household Cavalry Regiment at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Image: Oti Mabuse dances with a soldier from the Household Cavalry Regiment at the Royal Hospital Chelsea

Major James de St John-Pryce, second in command at the Household Cavalry Regiment who attended the event, said: "It was a great honour to meet the Chelsea Pensioners, particularly when they were in such high spirits with the visit of the Strictly Come Dancing cast.

"We were honoured to take time out of our operational reconnaissance role to fulfil our ceremonial duties by representing the army at such an event.

**STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01 SATURDAY 10 NOV 2018**  Kate Silverton, dancing with a Chelsea Pensioner at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Image: Kate Silverton dancing with a Chelsea Pensioner at the Royal Hospital Chelsea

"We had tremendous fun entertaining the Chelsea Pensioners and joining in the dancing with the celebrities and even learning a few steps from the professionals.

More from Strictly Come Dancing

**STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01 SATURDAY 10 NOV 2018** A Chelsea Pensioner, a member from the Navy, Faye Tozer, Giavani Pernice, Pasha Kovalev, Anton Du Beke, Shirley Ballas and Ashley Roberts enjoy the show.
Image: A Chelsea Pensioner, a member from the Navy, Faye Tozer, Giovanni Pernice, Pasha Kovalev, Anton Du Beke, Shirley Ballas and Ashley Roberts enjoy the show

"Despite the festive atmosphere, the event was also a reminder to us all of the importance of Remembrance Sunday and our duty to keep the memories of sacrifice and gratitude alive."

Sunday's results show will show footage of the tea dance, which took place on 30 October.

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