Dancing pensioners bring Strictly to the streets of Wolverhampton

The charming couple brought Strictly to the streets when they broke out into an impromptu waltz in Wolverhampton city centre.

Both in their 80s, the pair delighted hundreds of passers-by with their ballroom routine to the sounds of a nearby busker.

The magical moment saw scores of shoppers and workers stop dead in their tracks and it was not long before the Castlecroft couple were being cheered on by a large crowd.

And it was not the first time they've brightened up the city centre with their moves.

Thomas, aged 84, explained: "Every time we come down, we like to have a little dance with whoever is playing. It's nice for us and it definitely puts a few more coins in the performers' pots.

"It is just something we do while we are out and about – it seems to raise a few smiles and we really enjoy it."

This time around, the dancing duo instructed a street performer playing an accordion, who was more than happy to take some musical direction. Together, they received rapturous applause with spectators old and young capturing the uplifting scenes on their mobile phones and tablets.

But once was not enough for Thomas and his 86-year-old partner Joan. After disappearing for around half an hour during Monday lunchtime to get on with their errands, they were back delighting the crowds for a second time performing everything from the foxtrot to the waltz.

The couple said they love to dance but are concerned that ballroom is disappearing from our cities and towns despite the huge popularity of shows such as Strictly Come Dancing.

Mr McGonigal said: "We used to go to the Civic Centre to dance but they prefer the bigger shows like gigs and famous performers, so there are not as many dance nights as there used to be which is a real shame. It is something we miss.

"We like to go to Willenhall Baths now but we wish there was more opportunity. We think it is very sad."

He said that the area currently being used for the Mander Beach in the Mander Centre would make a perfect communal dancefloor.

"It is a wide open space but it is filled with sand. It would be a lovely space for people to come to and dance whilst they do their shopping, people would love it," he added.

Ms Culberwell said: "We know the gigs are very popular at the Civic and they need to make money, but there's lots of people like us, young and old, who would love to be able to dance there.

"It would be a shame if ballroom disappeared because it's a wonderful thing."

One surprised shopper was Daniella Brook.

She said: "I was just out shopping with a friend and saw them and it touched my heart that they are still in love with dancing, and each other, after all these years. It's lovely to see."