2027 TBA

Your Crew for the day…

At Ceroc Champs, we know that a great competition is about more than just what happens on the dancefloor — it’s the people behind the scenes who bring the magic to life.

Our judges are handpicked for their expertise, fairness, and deep understanding of partner dance, ensuring every performance is scored with integrity and insight. Supporting them is a crew of absolute legends — experienced, organised, and passionate — making sure the day runs like clockwork.

At the heart of the atmosphere is our main competition DJ, whose decades of musical experience mean every track is perfectly picked to bring out the best in every dancer.

And keeping the energy high and the smiles wide, our two incredible Comperes will entertain you, guide you, and keep the whole event flowing from the first heat to the final trophy.

This isn’t just a competition — it’s a full show, run by the very best in the business! As we get closer more of the team will be announced…

Your Host & Judge - Maja

Maja is the driving force behind Ceroc Addiction, known for her warmth, energy, and natural stage presence. With many years of experience in Ceroc, she brings a unique blend of humour, clarity, and connection to every night she hosts. Whether welcoming newcomers, building the buzz before freestyle, or leading some of the UK’s biggest dance events, Maja is the Host with the most!

Head Judge, Jen Eddy

Jen started in Latin and Ballroom, becoming a British Latin Formation Champion before excelling in competitive line dancing worldwide. Since discovering Ceroc in 2012, she has earned seven Open titles, including World Modern Jive Champion and two Ceroc Grandmaster titles. You’ll also find Jen behind the decks at Ceroc South Wales freestyles.

Jen says: I’m looking for the full package—couples who build on solid technique, layering in creativity and musicality without overpowering their partner. I love to see a true connection, where leading and following feel effortless, with trust, adaptability, and great technique all coming together to create something special on the dance floor.

Competition Superstar DJ Hayley Epps

Hayley Epps brings energy, power and pure excitement to an event before she’s even pressed play. A familiar and much-loved face on the Ceroc weekender circuit, Hayley is not only a respected teacher but an outstanding DJ who instinctively understands the dance floor. For Northern Champs 2026, she will be your musical guide through the championship — a pivotal role that shapes the entire competitive experience. Working closely with the management team, she has crafted playlists that are exciting, fair and technically challenging, while still delivering the fun and favourite tracks dancers love. Balancing diverse ages, styles and expectations within a competition setting is no small task — but if anyone can create an electric, unforgettable atmosphere, it’s Hayley.

Freestyle & 'Fluffer' DJ Matt Thomas

After his fantastic performance at The Champs and the Chill Weekender, the sublime Matt Thomas will be taking charge of Saturday freestyle music supporting Hayley and providing the freestyle in the evening

So once the competition pressure eases off, Matt will be there to keep the atmosphere flowing and the dances coming deep into the night. This is the time to grab the judges you have seen making moves in the Royal Rumble and give them a spin!

Compere - Lyndsey Hill

Lyndsey known for her warmth, energy, and natural stage presence. Having taught since 2006, Lyndsey’s passion for bringing people together through music, movement, and community shines through in everything she does. She’s not just holding a mic—she’s setting the tone and making everyone feel part of something special. With Lyndsey, you’re always in safe (and entertaining) hands.

Compere - Jamie Eddy

A Ceroc Teacher for Ceroc South Wales, is a seasoned competitor with multiple 1st place titles across various categories. Notably, he won the inaugural South West Grandmasters title. Renowned for his captivating performances and creative musicality, Jamie has been hailed as a “lucky dip legend” in the Ceroc community.

I look for dancers who grab my attention with their musicality, skill, and connection. Musicality is key—it shines when everything comes together effortlessly. I love seeing couples who execute exciting moves with precision, bringing energy, style, and a real sense of enjoyment to the dance floor.

Judge - Laura Hughes

A true Northern Champs favourite since the early days, Laura has been part of the fabric of this event. Year after year she’s brought commitment, consistency and an expert eye to the judging team.

As a highly respected former Ceroc Addiction teacher, Laura combines deep technical knowledge with razor-sharp judging instincts and an impressive trophy cabinet of her own. She understands exactly what makes a performance stand out.

Her passion for dance is infectious, her standards are high, and she’ll be watching closely for quality, connection and confidence on that floor.

So polish those shoes, lift your performance — and bring your absolute best.
Welcome back, Laura!

Judges - Zoe & Richard Beauvoisin

With over 50 years of combined dance experience, this dynamic duo are not only highly respected teachers and Ceroc Live & Dance franchisees, hosts of the Chill Out champs, Big Chippenham & Bath Bashes, but are also former UK Champions! Renowned for their graceful, lyrical, and flowing style, deeply rooted in musicality, Richard and Zoe bring an unparalleled understanding of Ceroc to the competition floor.
Having consistently won and placed in major championships, their expertise ensures a discerning eye for connection, musicality, and innovative flair. With decades of judging experience between them including being international judges at CPAC, they can’t wait to watch you on the dance floor!

Judge - Linda Wright

We’re delighted to welcome Linda Wright back to the Northern Champs judging panel! A valued member of the Ceroc Addiction teaching team, Linda made her judging debut at last year’s Northern Champs — and what a debut it was! No stranger to the competition floor herself, she understands the nerves, the pressure and what it truly takes to deliver when it counts.

Having now completed the Ceroc Judging Course this year, Linda brings even sharper insight and a clear, confident approach to the role. She’ll be looking closely at connection, musicality and strong adherence to the judging criteria— so every detail matters.

Composed, knowledgeable and passionate about great dancing, pick her brains for advice at either Stretford for Ceroc or Bowdon for Silc!

Dancers… it’s time to rise to the occasion.

Judge - Sheena Assiph 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

You cannot get much further north than Scotland in the British Isles! Recognised as Ceroc Scotland Royalty, Sheena is a respected figure in the dance world, with a wealth of experience participating in competitions and choreographing award-winning cabarets. For nearly 20 years, she has successfully organised The Scottish Champs, providing all the music and ensuring its place as a premier event. Known for her keen eye for detail and love of connection between dancers, Sheena is excited to witness the talent, dedication, and passion you bring to the floor.

Judge - James Taylor

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome James Taylor back to the judging panel! A hugely loved Ceroc Addiction teacher and a firm favourite in Blackpool and across the Northern circuit, James is a true weekender star — teaching, DJing and lighting up dance floors wherever he goes. He brings a wealth of experience, infectious warmth and that unmistakable musicality that makes his dancing (and judging!) so respected. When he’s watching the floor, he’ll be looking for confident connection, strong fundamentals and that joyful spark that makes a partnership come alive. So bring your energy and most importantly — Bring your personality.

Judge - Tony Epps

Tony is a dynamic Ceroc teacher and seasoned competitor, known for his powerful floor presence and sharp musical interpretation. With years of competition experience behind him, Tony brings intensity, precision and competitive edge to every performance. As a teacher, he is respected for his fun, practical coaching style that delivers immediate results. He is best known for drops, dips, lifts, aerials and anything involving hanging his partner Hayley in mid air! Together they have performed many stunning teacher showcases whilst still providing humour, that takes skill. Whether preparing dancers for competition or elevating their social dancing, Tony is passionate about safety, building strong fundamentals and performance-ready polish.

Judges - Lily & David Barker

David and Lily bring a combined wealth of Ceroc dance knowledge and Northern Champs experience. With years immersed in performance and competition, renowned for their spectacular aerial dance moves — executed with control, precision and total confidence — they have thrilled audiences while maintaining immaculate technical quality. Their judging credentials span more prestigious events than most dancers will ever attend, earning them a reputation for insight, integrity and uncompromising standards.

Judge - Jordan Fellows

From Champion to Judge – Welcome Jordan Fellows to the Northern Champs Judges! Our back-to-back Open Winner at the Northern Champs for the last two years, Jordan is stepping off the competition floor this time — generously giving someone else the chance to take the title — and joining the judging team instead!

As a current, active competitor, Jordan brings fresh, frontline insight from today’s incredible crop of Ceroc dancers. He knows exactly what it takes to win in the modern competitive arena — the standards, the strategy, the spark.

The respected Somerset franchisee with Shannon Finn, a teacher and one of the genuine nice guys of the circuit, Jordan combines sharp technical understanding with warmth and approachability. He may be judging this year… but make sure you grab a dance with him over the weekend.

EVENT CREW

A big thanks to all the voluntary crew that help setup the event, make sure it runs smoothly. THANK YOU! Also Lilleshall Hall for hosting and helping us.