Christmas TV doesn't get any more sparkly than the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special 2024, and once again we are in for a treat as the Strictly ballroom is transformed into a magical winter wonderland.
Following hot on the heels of Strictly Come Dancing 2024 the all-star Christmas special promises to dazzle audiences with a magical blend of dance, glitter and festive cheer as six brand-new celebrity contestants take to the floor in a bid to impress the judges.
But who will be wowing the judges with their fancy festive footwork? Here is everything you need to know about the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2024...
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2024 release date
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special 2024 will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day at 3.55pm.
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2024 line up
As always, the Christmas special will welcome six celebrities to the Strictly dancefloor, all ready to perform a festive-fueled routine in the hope of impressing the judges. Let's meet this year's line-up...
Josh Widdicombe
Stand-up comedian Josh Widdicombe was the first celebrity announced to be taking part in this year's Christmas special and he will be paired with professional dancer Karen Hauer.
Josh has starred in over thirty series of Channel 4’s The Last Leg as a team captain and co-hosts the hugely successful podcast Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett. He has also written two Sunday Times Bestselling books and appeared on multiple comedy panel shows including Smart TV, QI, A League Of Their Own, Have I Got News For You and Taskmaster to name but a few.
Speaking of his festive challenge, Josh said: “I am utterly terrified this will end in humiliation and worried I’m going to be so bad I will ruin Christmas for the nation. Why have I done this?”
Tayce
Welsh-born Tayce was a finalist on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 2. She is often dubbed the 'Naomi Campbell of Drag' and she models across the world in runway fashion shows. She has presented on BBC Radio 1, MTV and Sky. Tayce performs her drag act globally and has also released her own rap single.
Tayce will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Kai Widdrington.
Speaking of joining Strictly, Tayce says: "I cannot wait to sleigh on the Strictly Ballroom floor. My partner and I are going to dance for our lives! In all seriousness, it’s an incredible honour to be the first Drag artist to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing. I hope I do all of my Drag Race and Welsh fans proud! Sign me up for all the glitz, glam and discoballs."
Vogue Williams
Presenter, podcaster, DJ and fitness expert Vogue Williams was announced as the third celebrity for this year's Christmas special and she will be dancing with Carlos Gu.
Vogue is from Ireland and is often seen presenting fashion and red carpet segments on ITV’s Lorraine. Speaking of her new challenge Vogue says: “I’m so excited to join the Strictly family! Carlos would have more of a chance of winning a Nobel prize than turning me into a good dancer but I am determined to try my very best! I’m loving it so far, bring on the Ballroom floor.”
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey or Nitro is a Gladiator and Olympian. He will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Nancy Xu.
Not only is Harry Nitro on the BBC One series of Gladiators. He is also a Team GB sprinter, and Commonwealth and World gold medallist sprinter. Harry has competed at the highest level in the UK since his youth.
Speaking of appearing on Strictly, Harry says: “STRICTLY... ARE YOU READY?! Nitro’s blasting onto the Ballroom floor this Christmas! I’m swapping my trainers for dancing shoes, and trust me, I’m bringing the power, the energy and the moves! This December I'm gonna light up that dancefloor and crank the Christmas spirit all the way UP. Let’s do this!”
Tamzin Outhwaite
Tamzin Outhwaite is an actress and will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin.
Tamzin is a multi-award-winning actress from stage and screen, best known for her series leading roles including DCI Sasha Miller in the BBC’s New Tricks, Hotel Babylon, Murder Is Easy and EastEnders to name but a few.
Tamzin said: “I’m so excited to swap the stage for the Strictly Ballroom this Christmas. I’m used to performing in front of a live audience, but this is a whole new experience. I can’t wait to immerse myself in all things glitter and sequins, let’s hope the judges show Nikita and I some extra festive cheer this Christmas!”
Billy Monger
Billy Monger is a racing driver and TV presenter. He will be paired with Strictly professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova.
Billy was critically injured in a high-speed collision while racing in Formula 4 which left him with both legs amputated. Despite this, Billy refused to give up on his racing career, lobbying to allow both disabled and non-disabled drivers to race alongside each other.
He won the BBC Sports Personality Helen Rollason Award and had a BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary made about his story and recently beat the world record for a double amputee in the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii - the toughest endurance event in the world.
Speaking of joining the Strictly line ul, Billy said: "I've spent the last 12 months training 20 hours a week for an Ironman world record attempt, but the thought of donning sequins in front of Craig Revel Horwood fills me with a fear I've never experienced before. This is about as far from my comfort zone as it can get! My family are big Strictly fans, so I'm doing it for them and to raise awareness for what I’m doing for Comic Relief next year. I'm just hoping my leg doesn't fall off mid-dance!"
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2024 judges
Once again, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas will be behind the judging desk, all hoping to see some seriously impressive footwork.
As with previous Christmas specials, the judges' scores along with the voting studio audience will determine who will be lifting the sought-after Christmas trophy.
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2024 hosts
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be sleighing their way to Elstree once again to return to their hosting duties. The pair have been co-presenting Strictly since 2010 and we couldn't imagine anyone else at the helm of the nation's favorite dancing competition!
Is there a trailer for Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2024?
Not yet, it is a little bit early for a trailer, but as soon as one is released we will add it to this guide.
Behind the scenes and more on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2024
Strictly Come Dancing is a BBC Studios Entertainment Production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC.
The Executive Producer for BBC Studios is Sarah James, the Christmas Series Editor is Kim Allinson and the Series Editors are Nicola Fitzgerald and Jack Gledhill and the Series Producers are Ciara Murray and Joe Turner.
The Senior Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Jo Wallace.
