STRICTLY COME DANCING: CELEBRITIES TAKING PART IN CHRISTMAS SPECIAL REVEALED IN FULL

This year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will see six couples battle it out under the glitterball to be crowned the Strictly Christmas Champion.

Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will oversee the festivities for their final time, while Head Judge Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke will all be on hand to dish out sleigh-loads of advice, Christmas cheer and the odd lump of coal - before the voting studio audience will decide who wins. Expect a winter wonderland full of festive magic, dazzling group dances, live music and more in what will be the perfect antidote to the post-Christmas Dinner slump.

THE CELEBRITIES

Scarlett Moffatt

TV Personality

Scarlett Moffatt says: “Strictly has always held a special place in my heart, so being part of the Christmas Special feels truly magical. It’s the show that brings everyone together around the TV, and being part of that is a genuine personal and career highlight. I’m sure it’ll also introduce me to a few muscles I didn’t know I had. I can’t wait to live my best life on that dancefloor.”

Melanie Blatt

Singer

Melanie Blatt says: "If you can't have a dance at Christmas, when can you?! I'm so excited to meet Kai and start training to make this a dance to remember."

 Jodie Ounsley

Gladiator

Jodie Ounsley says: "I’m absolutely buzzing to be doing the Strictly Christmas Special. Being the first female rugby player means a lot to me too. I honestly can’t wait to get stuck in, I’m used to smashing into people so this is definitely going to be a challenge!”

 Nicholas Bailey

Actor

Nicholas Bailey says: "‘I’m really excited to be doing this, almost as excited as my wife and daughters are! Hopefully I’ll do them, Albert Square and Luba proud. Bring on the dancefloor.”

 Babatunde Aleshe

Comedian

Babatunde Aléshé says: "I used to do a little dancing when I was in college. I used to do Street Locking and Break Dancing, but then I found comedy and pursued that instead. At 39 I’ve accepted that a good two-step is all I need to get by at any function, but I know that won't be enough for Strictly! Let's hope the old moves come back to me in time for Christmas."

 Brian McFadden

Singer

Brian McFadden says: “I’m delighted to be a part of the Strictly Christmas special. We are big fans of Strictly in our house so to be dancing on Christmas Day on such a magical show will make it a Christmas to remember.”

Transmission details will be announced in due course.