The Strictly Come Dancing 2022 final is fast approaching, but those worried about getting their BBC ballroom fix needn't worry as the line-up for the Christmas special has been announced. The festive one-off airs on December 25 and has become a staple in the Christmas day schedules.
The Strictly Christmas special will see six brand new celebrity contestants take to the floor in a bid to be crowned Christmas Champion 2022. Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and head judge Shirley Ballas will all return for the proceedings.
The celebrities and their professional partners will then take to the floor in the hopes of impressing the panel and the voting audience. Among those confirmed by BBC bosses so far are soap stars, presenters and podcasters.
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Here's the Strictly Christmas special line-up so far, we'll keep this piece updated as the announcements are made.
George Webster
Professional dance partner: Amy Dowden
George Webster was announced as the sixth and final celebrity to be confirmed for the Christmas special on Friday, December 2 during the Strictly Come Dancing spin off Strictly: It Takes Two on BBC Two.
The 22-year-old is a CBeebies presenter, dancer and actor from Leeds who recently made history when he became the first presenter on the kids' channel with Down Syndrome. He was included in the Radio Times' 100 list for creating change in entertainment - making the top 20 - and is in the Shaw Trust disability 100 power list.
He will be partnered with Welsh professional dancer Amy Dowden, who this year paired up with actor James Bye who went out on week 6 during Halloween week.
Of joining the show, George Webster said: “I love Strictly and have watched it every year. 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
Professional dance partner: Giovanni Pernice
Singer Nicola Roberts was the fifth celebrity confirmed for the Christmas special. The news was announced on Friday, December 2 on Zoe Ball’s Breakfast Show.
Nicola is best known for being one-fifth of Girls Aloud, who were formed 20 years ago this Christmas. She will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing professional, Giovanni Pernice.
Of joining the line-up, Nicola 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!"
Nicola is also an actress and prior to covid striking made her Westend debut in City of Angels. Nicola presented a critically acclaimed BBC Three documentary Nicola Roberts: The Truth About Tanning and successfully advocated for a ban on underage usage of tanning beds. In 2020 she was crowned the winner of the first series of ITV’s The Masked Singer UK.
Larry Lamb
Professional dance partner: Nadiya Bychkova
A Gavin & Stacey star has joined the Strictly Christmas special. Larry Lamb, best known for his iconic role as Mick Shipman in the BBC comedy series, will compete in the 2022 festive episode.
The actor, who is also known for his role as Archie Mitchell in BBC One's flagship soap EastEnders and his Channel 5 docu-series Britain by Bike, was announced on The One Show on Thursday, December 1. Larry will be partnered with Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova, who was partnered with Matt Goss in the 2022 series before the couple were eliminated in week three.
On joining the festive line-up Larry said: "Christmas has come early! I can't wait to get on the dancefloor 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." Read more here.
Alexandra Mardell
Professional dance partner: Kai Widdrington
Alexandra was announced as the third celebrity on BBC Radio 5 Live! on Thursday, December 1. The actor, who is best known for the role of Emma Brooker on ITV's Coronation Street, 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!" Alexandra, who will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Kai Widdrington, will soon be seen as a lead role in ITV's new series The Family Pile. Other credits include the crime drama series, Vera, where she played the role of Kelly Horton.
Rickie Haywood-Williams
Professional dance partner: Luba Mushtuk
Rickie Haywood – Williams was the second celebrity confirmed for the Christmas special, he will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Luba Mushtuk.
The news was revealed on Wednesday, November 30 on the Rickie, Melvin & Charlie show on BBC Radio 1. Rickie, a DJ and presenter, said of joining the line-up: "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."
Viewers will recognise Rickie from the KISS FM breakfast show, which he presented for 10 years before moving to the BBC, where he currently presents BBC Radio 1’s iconic Live Lounge show with Melvin Odoom and Charlie Hedges. He also hosts the BBC Sounds hit podcast the Footballers’ Football podcast.
Rosie Ramsey
Professional dance partner: Neil Jones
Rosie Ramsey was the first celebrity confirmed for the Christmas special. The news was announced on Wednesday, November 30 BBC One’s Morning Live. Rosie is a Podcaster, TV host, author and author. She co-hosts the critically acclaimed podcast Sh**ged. Married. Annoyed with husband Chris Ramsey. She is a co-host of The Chris & Rosie Ramsey Show which will return for a second series next year on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
Rosie, who will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer, Neil Jones, 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!" For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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