The festive season is set to sparkle with Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas special, as the full celebrity line-up has been revealed ahead of the ballroom's enchanting winter wonderland makeover. BBC viewers were moved to tears when blind comedian Chris McCausland triumphed in Strictly Come Dancing 2024 alongside his professional partner Dianne Buswell. While it was bittersweet to bid farewell to the dance contest for another year, fans can look forward to a dose of Strictly enchantment with the Christmas special.
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special is scheduled to air on Christmas Day, December 25, at 3.55pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. This seasonal special is an hour and 15 minutes long and is followed by Doctor Who.
Among the stars stepping onto the dance floor this Christmas is presenter, DJ, and podcaster Vogue Williams, partnered with professional dancer Carlos Gu. Vogue is known for her appearances on ITV's Lorraine, where she covers fashion and red carpet events, and as the wife of former Made in Chelsea personality Spencer Matthews. She humorously remarked, "Carlos might have more of a chance of winning a Nobel prize than making me a dance sensation," but she hopes for a festive miracle.
Comedian and actor Josh Widdicombe, famous for his work on Channel 4's The Last Leg, also joins the line-up, partnering with dancer Karen Hauer. The 41-year-old candidly expressed his nerves, admitting he's "utterly terrified" to take on the challenge.
Making history on the show, drag performer Tayce is set to become Strictly’s first-ever drag queen. After finishing as runner-up on the second season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Tayce has made waves not just on stage but also across various media platforms. She will be paired with Kai Widdrington, and she excitedly shared, "I cannot wait to sleigh on the Strictly Ballroom floor. My partner and I are going to dance for our lives!"
Another familiar face is actress Tamzin Outhwaite, likely recognized by audiences for her roles as Mel Owen on EastEnders and DCI Sasha Miller on New Tricks. Fresh from Channel 5's mystery drama The Wives, the 54-year-old Outhwaite will be dancing alongside Nikita Kuzmin.
Racing driver Billy Monger, known for his impressive achievements on the track, will team up with Nadiya Bychkova. Despite tragic setbacks after losing both legs from a racing accident, Monger has become well-known as an advocate for disabled drivers. He light-heartedly admitted, "Performing in front of Craig Revel Horwood fills me with fear I've never experienced before."
The line-up concludes with 36-year-old sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, known as Nitro, who gained fame on the BBC's Gladiators and Celebrity Masterchef. The celebrated athlete has won multiple gold medals and was named BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year at just 17. Partnering with Nancy Xu, Harry remarked, "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 the dance floor and crank the Christmas spirit all the way up. Let's do this!"
Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas special is eagerly anticipated by fans and is set to air on Christmas Day, December 25, at 3.55pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
