Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2023: Everything we know so far

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

If you love Christmas and you love dancing than there's always something special to look forward to - the Strictly Christmas special.

Six celebs will be partnered with Strictly professionals, and the couples will perform festive routines with the hope of impressing the judges: Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Head Judge Shirley Ballas.

Not only that, but the studio audience will be voting on the dances, too.

But what do we know about it so far? Read on to find out!

When is the Strictly Christmas show on TV?

Who will lift the Christmas trophy this year?

The special episode is being filmed on Tuesday 5 December in Coventry.

It will then go out on TV on Christmas Day on BBC1 and BBC iPlayer

Last years Xmas special was won by Coronation Street star Alexandra Mardell and Kai Widdrington - but who will lift the Christmas trophy this year?

Which celebs have been announced for the Strictly Christmas show?

Broadcaster Dan Snow is the first celebrity in 2023's Christmas line up, and he will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova.

Dan is an author and makes TV programmes about history.

Dan Snow said: "I am absolutely terrified about hitting the dance floor. But I love getting out of my comfort zone and I've always wanted to learn how to dance properly.

"So I thought it was now or never!"

Journalist Sally Nugent is the second celeb that will be samba-ing on our screens, and she will be paired with Graziano Di Prima.

Sally presents BBC Breakfast on BBC One and she has covered some of the biggest news and sport stories of the last 20 years.

Sally Nugent said: "I am thrilled and slightly terrified to be taking part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special. I'm hoping the judges will be kind - and filled with Christmas spirit.

"And I hope everyone watching at home will enjoy a little bit of Strictly magic on Christmas night."

Actor Jamie Borthwick is the the third Christmas celebrity announced so far and he will be paired with Nancy Xu.

Jamie, who is best known for playing Jay Brown in EastEnders, said: "I am so excited to be joining the cast of this years' Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.

"From Walford to a Waltz, I can't wait to learn a new skill and put my dancing to the test. I'm hoping to spread Christmas cheer and have a good laugh with my professional dancer…get me on that dancefloor!"

CCBC's Tillie Amartey, who you might know from Almost Never, is the fourth celebrity announced to be taking part in Strictly this festive season.

She will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Neil Jones.

Tillie said: "My family have been avid fans of Strictly since forever so no pressure!

"The nerves are real, but I am SUPER excited to bring some much-needed joy to the telly while I shimmy and sparkle my two left feet through the Christmas special!"

Danny Cipriani is the fifth Christmas celebrity to be revealed and he will be paired with Jowita Przystał.

Danny is a rugby player and used to play for England International and now he's a professional Rugby Union player.

He said: "I've always enjoyed the concept of Strictly Come Dancing, it wasn't something I ever thought I'd do.

"After addressing my own ideas and beliefs, I am very much looking forward to expressing myself through dance with no limitations. Strictly brings joy to everyone's living rooms, being a part of that for Christmas Day will be special."

And the final contestant taking part in this year's Christmas Special is Keisha Buchanan, a singer-songwriter who was a founding member of the girl band Sugababes.

She'll be taking to the dancefloor with her professional partner, Gorka Márquez.

Keisha said: "I am so excited to be taking part, and over Christmas too, my favourite time of the year!

"I am looking forward to learning some new moves and embracing the dancefloor!"