Alan Dedicoat, the beloved broadcaster fondly known as the ‘Voice of Strictly Come Dancing’ and the iconic ‘Voice of the Balls’ from the National Lottery draws, is returning to the historic city to host a star-studded fundraising quiz night. The event, set for Friday, April 17, 2026, at the New Earswick Indoor Bowling Club, promises an evening packed with brain-teasing questions, laughter, prizes, and pure feel-good community spirit — all in aid of the tireless charity York Hospital Radio.

It’s a homecoming of sorts for the 66-year-old announcer, who has built a special bond with York over the years through his regular support for the hospital radio station. Previous quizzes hosted by Dedicoat have raised hundreds — and in some cases nearly a thousand pounds — for the volunteer-run service that brings music, chat, and vital entertainment to patients across York Hospital. Last year’s effort at Acomb Conservative Club pulled in an impressive £950, and organisers are hoping this latest outing will smash that figure amid growing ticket demand.

Tickets are a bargain at just £12 per person, with teams of up to four or five encouraged to sign up and battle it out across a variety of rounds. The quiz itself has been specially written by Dedicoat — a man whose trivia knowledge is as sharp as his delivery — ensuring a fast-paced, fun mix of general knowledge, pop culture, Strictly-themed nuggets, lottery lore, and perhaps a few cheeky curveballs to keep everyone on their toes.

Adding to the evening’s appeal: a raffle stuffed with fantastic prizes (details are being kept under wraps to build suspense, but past events have featured everything from signed memorabilia to luxury hampers), plus a light buffet to keep energy levels high as the scores rack up. Doors open at 7pm, with the quiz kicking off at 7.30pm sharp — perfect timing for locals and Strictly superfans to grab a spot and support a worthy cause.

York Hospital Radio, a registered charity that’s been brightening wards since the 1960s, relies entirely on fundraising and donations to stay on air. The station broadcasts 24/7 to patients via bedside headsets, playing requests, interviewing staff and visitors, and providing a much-needed escape from hospital routines. Volunteers — many of them dedicated locals — handle everything from presenting shows to technical ops, making events like this quiz night essential for keeping the service free and thriving.

Alan Dedicoat’s involvement is no small coup. The broadcaster has been the warm, reassuring voice introducing each couple’s dance on Strictly since the show’s early days, his smooth announcements becoming as much a part of the magic as the sequins and spray tans. “In the ballroom… it’s time to meet the judges!” — those famous words have accompanied legends like Bruce Forsyth, Claudia Winkleman, Tess Daly, and now the current presenting duo, as millions tune in every weekend during the series.

Beyond Strictly, Dedicoat’s career is a masterclass in versatility. He spent years as a BBC Radio announcer, voiced countless documentaries, commercials, and continuity links, and became a household name as the National Lottery’s draw announcer — the calm, measured voice declaring life-changing wins with phrases like “Set of balls please!” Fans still quote his lottery intros decades later, and his unmistakable baritone has earned him the affectionate nickname ‘the Voice of the Balls’.

His connection to York Hospital Radio runs deep. Dedicoat has returned multiple times over the years — from events in 2018 and 2019 to the special 60th anniversary quiz in September (likely 2024 or earlier iterations) — always delivering engaging, professional hosting with a generous dose of warmth and humour. Organisers praise his natural quizmaster skills: quick-witted, fair, and able to keep even the most competitive teams laughing through defeats.

“Alan is a true professional and a lovely man,” said one York Hospital Radio volunteer in past coverage. “He gives his time freely, writes brilliant questions, and really gets into the spirit of the night. The room lights up when he starts speaking — that voice is instantly recognisable!”

Social media is already lighting up with locals sharing their excitement. “Can’t wait to hear THAT voice live in York!” posted one fan on Facebook. Another added: “Strictly quiz rounds incoming? Count me in!” With the current series of Strictly Come Dancing captivating audiences (as of early 2026, the competition is in full swing with celebrities battling it out under the glitterball), the timing couldn’t be better for a fundraising tie-in that taps into the nation’s love for the show.

For Dedicoat himself, these charity appearances are more than just gigs. The broadcaster has long championed good causes, using his platform to support community initiatives and entertainers’ charities. His calm, authoritative presence makes him a perfect fit for quiz hosting — a role he’s embraced with enthusiasm, even publishing books and winning awards for his voice work along the way.

The New Earswick Indoor Bowling Club venue adds a cosy, community feel to the evening. The club, with its friendly atmosphere and central location, has hosted successful fundraisers before and provides the ideal setting for teams to huddle over tables, pencils at the ready, as Dedicoat’s voice booms out the questions.

As ticket sales pick up, organisers are urging early booking — spaces are limited, and past events have sold out fast. Proceeds will go straight back into York Hospital Radio’s operations: new equipment, training for volunteers, and expanding programming to reach more patients during what can be isolating hospital stays.

In a world of big-budget TV spectacles, there’s something wonderfully heartwarming about a local quiz night headlined by one of Britain’s most recognisable voices. It’s a reminder that celebrity doesn’t always mean red carpets and limos — sometimes it’s about lending that famous timbre to a good cause in a bowling club in York, raising a few hundred quid while spreading joy and a bit of friendly rivalry.

So dust off your general knowledge, rally your team, and get ready for an evening where the real winner is the patients who benefit from York Hospital Radio’s broadcasts. With Alan Dedicoat at the helm, it’s guaranteed to be a night of laughs, surprises, and — of course — that unmistakable voice guiding everyone through the rounds.

Tickets and more details are available via York Hospital Radio’s website or by contacting organisers directly. Don’t miss out — because when the Voice of Strictly says “Let’s play!”, you know it’s going to be unforgettable.

From the glitz of the ballroom to the green of the bowling club, Alan Dedicoat’s return to York is the feel-good story we all need. Grab your tickets, sharpen your pencils, and prepare to be dazzled — not by sequins this time, but by community spirit and one of TV’s most enduring voices doing what he does best.