Strictly Christmas Special line-up – Danny Cipriani and Sugababes icon

1164     0
The full Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2023 has been announced
The full Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2023 has been announced

Strictly Come Dancing have announced the three more names for their Christmas 2023 special.

A rugby legend, Sugarbabe and CBBC actress will join the three celebrities already revealed for this year's festive special. The celebrities will be partnered with six professionals whilst Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and head judge Shirley Ballas all give their verdict on the routines, alongside the voting studio audience, as one star is named Christmas champion.

On Wednesday broadcaster Dan Snow was confirmed for the show and will dance alongside Nadiya Bychkova. BBC Breakfast's Sally Nugent also signed up for the BBC Christmas special and will be paired with Graziano Di Prima, as well as actor Jamie Borthwick - who plays Jay Brown on EastEnders.

Strictly Christmas Special line-up – Danny Cipriani and Sugababes icon qhiqqxihuikzinvRugby icon Danny Cipriani will take to the dancefloor (Instagram)
Strictly Christmas Special line-up – Danny Cipriani and Sugababes iconKeisha Buchanan from the Sugarbabes will be taking part (Getty Images for The National Lo)

Strictly star Jannette Manrara announced the further celebrities to take part in the show whilst presenting spin-off show It Takes Two on Thursday evening. Actress Tillie Amartey was revealed as the fourth celebrity in the 2023 Christmas line up, she will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Neil Jones.

Tillie has amassed an impressive CV in a short time, working on shows for Sky, CBBC and Channel 5. She will be hitting our screens in January 2024 as Stace Neville in BBC One’s hit series Waterloo Road. Tillie’s acting career has also seen her play a range of varied roles on CBBC’s popular show Almost Never, Channel 5’s four-part drama The Teacher alongside Sheridan Smith, and her most intense performance to date as Marnie in Jimmy McGovern’s Moving On.

EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likenessEastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness

Tillie was also handpicked by David Walliams for her debut film role in his TV adaptation of Ratburger. Of being announced as a Christmas Strictly star Tillie Amartey 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, he will be paired with Jowita Przystał. Danny is a former England International and current professional Rugby Union player. He most recently played for Premiership Rugby side Bath and previously played for Gloucester, Sale Sharks and Wasps in the Premiership and Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby.

Danny Cipriani 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.”

The sixth and final celebrity revealed is Keisha Buchanan, she will be paired with Gorka Márquez. Keisha is a founding member of platinum selling, critically acclaimed, girl group Sugababes. She 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!”

Mia O'Hare

Showbiz Snapchat, Talent shows, Soap operas, Waterloo Road, Sugababes, EastEnders, BBC1, Christmas, Shirley Ballas, Danny Cipriani, Neil Jones, Sheridan Smith, Craig Revel Horwood, Keisha Buchanan, Jimmy McGovern, Strictly Come Dancing

Read more similar news:

01.02.2023, 12:36 • News
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy shows off grey hair and says 'it doesn't matter'
01.02.2023, 18:15 • More
Danny Dyer says fans kept telling him EastEnders was unpopular before he quit
01.02.2023, 20:13 • More
EastEnders fans devastated as Whitney receives heartbreaking news about her baby
02.02.2023, 10:43 • More
Cheryl told off by director after blunder on stage amid West End debut
02.02.2023, 12:33 • More
EastEnders' Reiss actor's past TV roles unearthed - including three soap roles
02.02.2023, 20:00 • More
EastEnders' Martin Fowler actor James Bye departs Walford amid Lily's pregnancy
03.02.2023, 05:04 • News
Danniella Westbrook opens up about sending saucy snaps to her fiancé in prison
04.02.2023, 19:45 • Investigation
New EastEnders star Patsy Kensit lifts the lid on the roles she loves to play
04.02.2023, 22:41 • More
Sitcom star joins EastEnders and bosses think she'll be a firm fan favourite
04.02.2023, 23:01 • More
EastEnders icon slams soap for 'normalising violence' in 'ridiculous' storylines