On Christmas Day 2024, the holiday spirit was alive and kicking with the much-anticipated Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, where the spectacular duo of drag artist Tayce and professional dancer Kai Widdrington took center stage, proving to be the stars of the evening. The pair mesmerized both the judges and viewers alike with their electrifying performance of the cha-cha to '100 Degrees' by pop idols Kylie and Dannii Minogue, resulting in them lifting the coveted Christmas star trophy.
Securing a jaw-dropping perfect score of four tens from the judges, Tayce and Widdrington's dynamic routine prompted rave reviews, especially from judge Craig Revel Horwood, who exclaimed, "Absolutely fierce, serving realness, serving fab-u-lous." It was clear from the outset the duo was set to make history, being the first drag artist to win such honors on the beloved dance competition.
The competition, heavily featuring notable celebrities, included actors, comedians, TV personalities, and Olympians. Among the star-studded lineup were personalities such as Josh Widdicombe dancing with Karen Hauer, Vogue Williams paired with Gorka Marquez, and former EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite alongside Nikita Kuzmin. Each couple brought their own flair to the festivities, making it quite the spectacular occasion.
After their performance, Widdicombe and Hauer took the floor, presenting their routine which scored them 36 points, with Du Beke awarding them one of the tens. Du Beke commented humorously on the routine: "I have to tell you one thing though, it has finally happened, the moment has come." His remarks referenced the long-standing tradition of witty banter during the show, showing his admiration for Widdicombe’s skills.
Meanwhile, Tamzin Outhwaite and Nikita Kuzmin enchanted the judges with their Viennese waltz to KD Lang’s emotional version of 'Hallelujah', receiving high praise from Anton Du Beke. He likened their performance to his favorite sherry trifle at Christmas, saying, “It was like my favourite sherry trifle at Christmas, it was layered… your lifts were gorgeous, give me another spoonful of your trifle.” His whimsical analogy captured the audience’s delight.
Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey paired with Nancy Xu also performed impressively, showcasing street commercial dance to the Glee cast’s rendition of 'Christmas Wrapping'. The festive cheer enveloping the event was palpable from the very beginning; opening with a vibrant group routine to 'I Love Christmas' and culminating with all dancers performing to Leona Lewis’s touching 'I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day', the show echoed the warmth of the holiday season.
Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman infused their signature charm throughout the evening. Daly, who co-hosted the show since its inception, couldn’t contain her admiration for this year’s competitors, reflecting on the evolution of the program over its 20-year history. She stated, "We could not do this show without you being along for the ride,” underlining not only the significance of the contestants but also the emotional bond they form with viewers.
The results of the show were particularly impressive this year, as the winners' announcement emerged from the blend of studio audience votes juxtaposed with the judges’ scores, heightening the anticipation. Tayce and Widdrington’s celebrated win holds enduring meaning, representing inclusivity and diversity within the competition, alongside thrilling performances from fellow competitors.
This year’s Christmas special follows only days after comedian Chris McCausland made history by winning the overall competition, becoming the first blind person to secure the title. His incredible feat was celebrated across the entertainment sphere, with tributes pouring from fellow contestants and fans alike. Following the announcement of his win, various personalities chimed in, reflecting on the impact of his extraordinary achievements on the show.
Strictly Come Dancing continues to captivate audiences with its blend of talent, humor, and spectacular performances, making every year’s Christmas special not just festive, but also a celebration of artistry and inclusivity within the world of dance.
