STRICTLY COME DANCING CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: FULL LINE-UP REVEALED

Strictly Come Dancing returns to the Ballroom for an all-star Christmas special as six brand new celebrity contestants take to the floor in a bid to be crowned Christmas Champion 2021.

Each of the six couples will perform a Christmas inspired routine with the hope of impressing the judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, Head Judge Shirley Ballas, and the voting audience.

The celebrities taking part are:

-Jay Blades, paired with Luba Mushtuk

-Fred Sirieix, paired with Dianne Buswell

-Mel Giedroyc, paired with Neil Jones

-Moira Stuart OBE, paired with Aljaž Škorjanec

-Anne-Marie, paired with Graziano Di Prima

-Adrian Chiles, paired with Jowita Przystal

Jay Blades says: “I’m super excited, times two! One, because I’m going to learn a new dance apart from the ‘Dad’ dance, and two because I’m going to be on Strictly! It’s a show that I’ve always admired, and I can’t wait to see how I perform!”

Fred says: “I absolutely love Christmas so I’m delighted to be taking part in the Strictly Christmas special and to be partnered with the magnificent Dianne. I hope my dance moves bring some Christmas joy to everybody watching at home and don’t make the judges say, bah, Humbug!”

Mel Giedroyc said: “I don’t think I’ve been this excited about Christmas since I got my first guinea-pig from Santa in 1978.”

Moira Stuart says: “I’m really looking forward to the Strictly Christmas special. I've loved dancing for as long as I can remember. In fact it even helped me try to keep warm in my early coldwater flat..."

Anne-Marie says: “I’m excited to take part in the Strictly Christmas special. I love the show, and who would turn down a dance with Graziano?!”

Adrian Chiles said: “Discouragingly, every one of my family and friends with whom I’ve shared this news, has reacted with horror. They can’t believe it I’m doing it, and neither can I. Thoughts and prayers with whichever poor dancer is lumbered with me.”

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC One on Christmas Day.