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Arts & Culture
25 December 2024

Tamzin Outhwaite Joins Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special

The EastEnders star partners with Nikita Kuzmin for festive dance challenge.

Tamzin Outhwaite, known for her role as Mel Owen on EastEnders, is set to dazzle audiences as she takes to the dancefloor for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special. The 54-year-old actress is paired with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, as they compete alongside five other celebrities on this festive edition of the beloved BBC show.

The Christmas special of the popular dance competition will be broadcast on December 25, featuring contestants such as drag artist Tayce, comedian Josh Widdicombe, podcaster Vogue Williams, Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, and racing car driver Billy Monger. Outhwaite expressed her enthusiasm about her participation, referring to the experience as akin to “a little snippet” of the full Strictly experience. “I've always wanted to do Strictly because I want to learn to Ballroom and Latin dance but I know my body wouldn’t be able to do the full run,” she told the BBC. “So I said yes to the Christmas Special because it feels like Strictly hors d'oeuvre,” she added.

During preparations for the competition, Outhwaite has turned to her friend and fellow contestant Sarah Hadland for advice, expressing admiration for her friend’s performance on the show this season. “I leave Sarah the odd voice note saying, ‘well done, you’re brilliant’,” she shared, before turning her excitement to her partner Kuzmin. “We call him Prince Charming,” she stated. “He just has the hair and face and the body—everything. He looks like Prince Charming.”

With Outhwaite’s passion evident, fellow contestant Vogue Williams shares similar sentiments about embracing the challenge of dancing. Williams stated, “I said yes because it’s just so fun. It’s such a fun, brilliant show. I love the idea of learning how to dance, especially because I’m not really a good dancer at all.” This light-hearted enthusiasm seems to be echoed among the final contestants eager to showcase their skills.

Outhwaite has also expressed anticipation for exchanging the stage for the ballroom, noting, “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!” Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas will lend their expertise as the contestants vie for the festive title.

Earlier this year, Outhwaite’s time filming The Tower allowed her to fall for Liverpool, spurring comments about her affection for the city. “I think I have fallen in love with Liverpool,” she divulged, spotlighting the charm of the local people. Her partnership with Kuzmin, who previously danced with Scouse native Sam Quek, seems to cultivate shared common ground.

Nikita echoed Outhwaite's sentiment on Liverpool, relishing the city’s appeal, saying, “I'm loving it. The people are great and there is so much to do here. The whole Albert Dock is gorgeous.” This emphasis on shared experiences injects an additional layer of warmth to their upcoming performance.

Aside from the dancing, it’s exciting for Outhwaite to be part of her passion project at this point in her life. “I’m happy single,” she mentioned, asserting contentment with her current situation, having found joy in her independence and busy work schedule. She described herself as “older and braver,” prepared to take on the challenge of dancing, having previously declined opportunities due to her hectic lifestyle.

Previously, Outhwaite has had her share of public relationships, including her marriage to actor Tom Ellis, which ended after revelations of infidelity. Despite her past experiences, she recognizes this chapter's new possibilities with optimism. After years of notable performances across various television roles—including The Fixer, Paradox, and New Tricks—the actress is poised for yet another memorable performance.

With the dates marked on calendars, fans eagerly await the return of Strictly Come Dancing, now set against the festive backdrop of Christmas. Will Outhwaite impress the judges with her dance moves alongside Kuzmin? One thing is for sure—this spirited competition is heating up with the excitement of the upcoming special.

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