Six famous faces are putting their dancing shoes on this festive season for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.
All of the celebs taking part this year have now been announced, including small screen royalty, one fifth of an iconic pop group, and even a South Shields star. The new dancers will be battling it out in the ballroom to impress judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke in a special festive episode set to air on Christmas Day on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The special will air just one week after the grand finale of this year's Strictly series on 17 December, which will see one of the remaining contestants - Helen Skelton, Hamza Yassin, Fleur East, Will Mellor, Kym Marsh or Molly Rainford - lift up the coveted glitterball trophy. Here are all of the stars confirmed to be taking part in the Christmas special.
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George Webster
CBeebies presenter George is the sixth and final star confirmed for this year's festive special, and will be paired with pro Amy Dowden as he takes to the dance floor. Born in Leeds, 22-year-old George made history as the first CBeebies presenter with Down Syndrome and recently won a Bafta for his talents.
George said: “I’ve always dreamed of being on the show one year and I’m so excited to be on this year’s Christmas Special! To be partnered with Amy is such an honour, we get on so well, she’s so lovely and an amazing dancer.
“I’m looking forward to being “Strictlyfied”. Bring on the glitter and everything else. I can’t wait to perform on the Strictly dancefloor.”
Nicola Roberts
Best known as one fifth of iconic pop group Girls Aloud, Nicola is known along with Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh and the late Sarah Harding for chart-topping hits including Love Machine, Sound of the Underground and The Promise. The 37-year-old star was also crowned the winner of ITV's The Masked Singer back in 2020 and delighted the audience and judges when she was unveiled as Queen Bee.
Nicola, who will be paired with Giovanni Pernice, said: “It’s truly an honour to be part of Strictly, but to be invited on to the prestigious Christmas day episode is something very special indeed. They’ve promised me extra glitter, sparkle and frosting all wrapped up together with a big bow on top. What more could a girl wish for at Christmas!”
Larry Lamb
TV legend Larry Lamb will already be well-known to BBC viewers for his memorable roles as Mick Shipman in Gavin & Stacey and ultimate soap villain Archie Mitchell in EastEnders. 75-year-old Larry is also a regular on The One Show, where he presents history and heritage features, and has starred in countless other TV series - he will be dancing with Nadiya Bychkova.
Larry said: “Christmas has come early! I can’t wait to get on the dance floor and learn a brand new skill ready for all those festive parties. I am excited yet incredibly nervous but I know Nadiya will look after me, and I look forward to adding a bit of extra sparkle to Christmas day.”
Alexandra Mardell
Coronation Street star Alexandra won the British Soap Award for Best Newcomer back in 2019 for her role as Emma Brooker on the ITV soap - but eagle-eyed Vera fans may also recognise her from a 2017 episode in which she played Kelly Horton. The 29-year-old actress, who will be paired with Kai Widdrington in the Christmas special, is also set to star in a new ITV series called The Family Pile.
Alexandra said: “I’ve grown up with Strictly Come Dancing, and my Mum always said she’d love to see me on the show so this really is the best Christmas present I could give her. I can’t wait to get into the training room and see what festive moves I can bring to the table!”
Rickie Haywood-Williams
DJ and presenter Rickie preented the KISS FM breakfast show for a decade before moving to the BBC, where he currently presents Radio 1's Live Lounge as well as hosting the Footballers' Football podcast on BBC Sounds. 42-year-old Rickie will be taking to the dance floor with pro Luba Mushtuk.
Rickie revealed the news on his radio show with Melvin Odoom and Charlie Hedges, saying: “I have watched Strictly over the years and always said I’d be too scared to do it. But here I am ready to go for it, sequins n’ all.“
Rosie Ramsey
Tyneside's own Rosie Ramsey was the first star confirmed for the Strictly Christmas special, set to be partnered up with Neil Jones. South Shields star Rosie follows in the footsteps of her husband Chris Ramsey, who reached the semi-final of the main series back in 2019.
Best known for their hit podcast Sh**ged Married Annoyed, Chris and Rosie also host The Chris & Rosie Ramsey Show on BBC Two which is set to return for a second series next year. Rosie said: “I am thrilled to be dancing in this year’s Strictly Christmas special!
“After watching my husband Chris compete a few years ago, I’ve been desperate to get on that dance floor myself! I also absolutely LOVE Christmas, and my partner Neil is lovely, so this is just perfect. Best. Christmas. Ever!“
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