Quite a surprise last week when Cadet Direct staff received an urgent order from the organisers of the ITV show 'Dancing on Ice'. The customer required a full FAD (Future Army Dress) suit, No.2 Dress shirt, tie plus all the accoutrements for contestant Anthony Cotton, better known as Sean Tully from Coronation Street.

British Army FAD

Anthony was born and raised in Manchester and it was decided to badge the No.2 dress uniform to the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment. The Duke of Lancs regiment are the Infantry Regiment of the North West of England with two regular battalions and 1 reserve battalion. Cadet Direct holds a large stock of No.2 dress buttons, collar badges and lanyards so this wasn't a problem. The outfit was completed with a white courlene belt,  white courlene loops, a regimental belt buckle and No.2 dress cap. Anthony has regularly supported military charities and has raised funds for Help for Heroes. His skating partner Brandee Malto, an American ice skater, also has a military connection. Her father served as a United States Green Beret during the Vietnam War. The Green Berets are the US Army's special forces.

Army No 2 Dress Uniform

The pair gave an emotional performance whilst dancing to 'Bridge Over Troubled Waters' on Sunday night's show (11/02). Despite some criticism from the judges, the couple sailed through to the next round after the public vote - no doubt the smart uniform supplied by Cadet Direct played a part!