Tayce and Kai Widdrington have been crowned winners of this year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. The pair performed a one-off Cha-Cha to Kylie Minogue and Dannii Minogue's '100 Degrees', earning a perfect score of 40 from the judges. This result marks the first-ever participation of a drag artist on the show and also the second festive win for Widdrington, who previously triumphed alongside Coronation Street's Alexandra Mardell in 2022.
The star-studded competition featured other notable pairs, including comedian Josh Widdicombe with Karen Hauer, presenter Vogue Matthews with Gorka Marquez, ex-EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite with Nikita Kuzmin, athlete Billy Monger with Nadiya Bychkova, and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey with Nancy Xu. The show opened with an energetic pro routine to 'I Love Christmas' from Scrooge, setting the festive tone for the evening, and concluded with the celebrities uniting for Leona Lewis's 'I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day'. This feel-good atmosphere delighted both the live studio audience and viewers at home.
Tayce and Widdrington's performance, synchronized effortlessly to the upbeat Minogue track, captured the hearts of judges and fans alike. They were awarded four perfect scores, reflecting the judges' unanimous endorsement of their routine. The joy of the season was palpable as Tayce expressed her triumph, declaring, "We wowed the judges with our Cha-Cha to Kylie and Dannii Minogue’s ‘100 Degrees’." The shiny star-shaped trophy awarded to the winners served as the ultimate symbol of their achievement.
Following last year's Christmas special winner, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick, Tayce and Widdrington are now positioned within the show's legacy. Borthwick, who made such an impression during the competition, has reportedly been invited back for the full series following this year's remarkable performances, which included the win by comedian Chris McCausland, the show's first blind contestant.
This year's Christmas special, hosted by the dynamic duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, maintained the tradition of dazzling displays and infectious energy, augmented by the expertise of judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and head judge Shirley Ballas. Each judge provided insights and critiques laced with humor and enthusiasm during this festive showcase, bringing together the spirit of competition and celebration.
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special undoubtedly holds significance, not just for its entertainment value, but also for its role as a platform for inclusivity, making this victory momentous for Tayce. The show’s format allows for lighter-hearted routines, as it embraced the festive spirit, encouraging creativity among contestants. Comedian Josh Widdicombe, who teamed up with longtime professional partner Karen Hauer, humorously noted, "I’m not sure how happy she is to get me though," hinting at the fun dynamics within the partnerships.
Viewers were treated to unforgettable performances, reinforcing why Strictly Come Dancing remains one of the UK's most beloved shows. The levels of talent this year were incredibly high, with each competitor bringing their unique flair to the ballroom. Tayce and Widdrington’s performance stood out vividly against the season's backdrop, and their showmanship was infectious, proving once more the show's ability to blend skill with entertainment.
Overall, the Christmas special was not just another episode but rather an uplifting celebration of dance and talent, culminating with Tayce and Kai’s brilliant choreography and artistry on display. Their victory is not only celebrated by fans and followers but also emboldens future contestants to dream big, reinforcing the idea of what is achievable on this prestigious stage.
With the glimmering trophy now resting with this year's champions, the dance floor awaits the next installment of the competition, which promises even more star-studded performances and jaw-dropping routines. Until then, Tayce and Kai’s win serves as the perfect finale to another spectacular holiday season on Strictly Come Dancing.
