Strictly: Which celebs are in the Strictly Christmas Special?

SDC XMAS SPECIAL
Image caption,

Six celebs will be hoping to win the festive trophy, but who will be taking part?

It wouldn't be Christmas without lights, sparkles and Strictly.

Yes, the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will be entertaining us on Christmas Day with a brand new group of celebrities.

The six celebrities, including CBeebies' George Webster, will perform a festive inspired routine with the hope of impressing the judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas. The TV audience will be able to vote for their favourite dancers.

Celebrities who have won the Christmas special before include singer and The Voice judge Anne-Marie (who was last year's champion), Aston Merrygold from boy band JLS and Harry Judd from McFly.

Here are the celebrities who will be putting on their sparkly dancing shoes and doing a jolly jive this Christmas - have a look through and let us know what you think of the line-up in the comments below!

Rosie Ramsey

Image source, BBC Studios

Rosie Ramsey is the first celebrity confirmed for the show - she'll be paired with professional dancer, Neil Jones.

She's a TV host, podcaster and author. Her husband Chris Ramsey reached the semi-finals of Strictly in 2019 and finished in fourth place.

Rosie said she is "thrilled" to be part of the Christmas special and that this will be the "Best. Christmas. Ever!"

"After watching my husband Chris compete a few years ago, I've been desperate to get on that dance floor myself!

"I also absolutely LOVE Christmas, and my partner Neil is lovely, so this is just perfect," she added.

Rickie Haywood-Williams

Image source, BBC Studios

Radio DJ Rickie Haywood-Williams will be paired with professional dancer, Luba Mushtuk.

You might have heard Rickie on the radio. He used to present the breakfast show on KISS FM for 10 years and now is a presenter on BBC Radio 1's famous Live Lounge show with Melvin Odoom and Charlie Hedges.

Rickie said: "I have watched Strictly over the years and always said I'd be too scared to do it.

"But here I am ready to go for it, sequins n' all."

Alexandra Mardell

Image source, BBC STUDIOS

The third contestant taking part in the Strictly Christmas special is actor Alexandra Mardell.

Alexandra, who is best known for playing Emma Brooker in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street, will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Kai Widdrington.

She's not new to the TV world, but how will Alexandra fare performing in front of the nation?

"I've grown up with Strictly Come Dancing, and my Mum always said she'd love to see me on the show so this really is the best Christmas present I could give her," Alexandra said.

"I can't wait to get into the training room and see what festive moves I can bring to the table!"

Larry Lamb

The fourth celeb confirmed to be appearing on the Strictly Special is Larry Lamb.

He's best known for his role as Mick in Gavin and Stacey, and has also played Archie Mitchell in Eastenders.

His professional partner will be Nadiya Bychkova.

Larry said: "Christmas has come early! I can't wait to get on the dance floor and learn a brand new skill ready for all those festive parties.

"I am excited yet incredibly nervous but I know Nadiya will look after me, and I look forward to adding a bit of extra sparkle to Christmas day."

Nicola Roberts

Nicola Roberts of Girls Aloud fame is the fifth star to take part in the Christmas special.

The group formed 20 years ago this Christmas. During their career they got a record breaking 20 consecutive Top 10 singles and won a Brit Award for their single The Promise.

You might also recognise Nicola from The Masked Singer - in 2020 she was crowned the UK's first ever winner of the show!

Nicola will be partnered with Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice.

She said: "It's truly an honour to be part of Strictly, but to be invited on to the prestigious Christmas day episode is something very special indeed.

"They've promised me extra glitter, sparkle and frosting all wrapped up together with a big bow on top. What more could a girl wish for at Christmas!"

George Webster

And finally, CBeebies' own George Webster has been announced as the sixth and final Strictly Christmas special star!

He made history when he became the first ever CBeebies presenter with Down's Syndrome, and he's been taking the world by storm since - he recently won a Bafta.

His partner will be Amy Dowden, and he's absolutely thrilled: ""I love Strictly and have watched it every year. I've always dreamed of being on the show one year and I'm so excited to be on this year's Christmas Special!

"To be partnered with Amy is such an honour, we get on so well, she's so lovely and an amazing dancer. I'm looking forward to being "Strictlyfied".

"Bring on the glitter and everything else. I can't wait to perform on the Strictly dancefloor."

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special is on BBC One at 5.10pm on Christmas Day.