The festive line-up for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special is now nearly complete, as the BBC confirms Scarlett Moffatt, Melanie Blatt, Jodie Ounsley, Nicholas Bailey, Babatunde Aléshé and newly announced Brian McFadden.
Radio host Scott Mills started the announcement, with the full line-up announced on It Takes Two.
Tess and Claudia’s Final Festive Show
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will host the Christmas Special for the final time, wrapping up their long-running partnership at the helm of the show.
They’ll be joined by Head Judge Shirley Ballas, along with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke, who will guide the couples before the studio audience decides who takes home the Christmas trophy.
A Festive Spectacle for Viewers
This year’s special promises a “winter wonderland” of seasonal performances, dazzling group dances and live music, giving viewers the perfect post-Christmas lift on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Scarlett Moffatt Ready to ‘Live Her Best Life’
Presenter and TV personality Scarlett Moffatt, best known for Gogglebox and winning I’m A Celebrity in 2016, said the show “feels truly magical” and is a “career highlight”.
She will dance with professional Vito Coppola.
Melanie Blatt Joins the Ballroom Fun
All Saints singer and cook Melanie Blatt said she’s thrilled to be involved, adding, “If you can’t have a dance at Christmas, when can you?!”
Melanie will partner with professional dancer Kai Widdrington.
Jodie Ounsley ‘Buzzing’ to Join the Christmas Line-Up
Athlete, broadcaster and deaf community advocate Jodie Ounsley, also known as “Fury” from Gladiators, said she’s “absolutely buzzing” to take part.
“Being the first female rugby player means a lot to me too. I’m used to smashing into people so this is definitely going to be a challenge!”
Jodie will be paired with professional Neil Jones.
Nicholas Bailey Swaps Albert Square for the Ballroom
Actor Nicholas Bailey, known for his role in EastEnders, said he’s “really excited” to join the festive special and hopes to do his family, “Albert Square and Luba proud”.
He’ll take to the floor with professional dancer Luba Mushtuk.
Babatunde Aléshé Brings Comedy to Christmas Week
Comedian, actor and podcaster Babatunde Aléshé joked about returning to his college days of street locking and break dancing.
“At 39 I’ve accepted that a good two-step is all I need to get by at any function, but I know that won’t be enough for Strictly! Let’s hope the old moves come back to me in time for Christmas.”
Babatunde will dance with professional Nancy Xu.
Brian McFadden Joins the Festive Line-Up
The latest celebrity to be confirmed is Irish singer-songwriter Brian McFadden, who first rose to fame as a member of Westlife.
“I’m delighted to be a part of the Strictly Christmas special. We are big fans of Strictly in our house so to be dancing on Christmas Day on such a magical show will make it a Christmas to remember,” he said.
Brian will dance with Strictly professional Michelle Tsiakkas.
When to Watch
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Christmas.
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