First look at all-star Christmas Strictly as festive celeb makeovers unveiled
Strictly Come Dancing fans worried about where they will get their dance fix following this weekend's final can rest assured the show will be back for its annual Christmas Special on Christmas Day.
Celebrities Bobby Brazier, Ellie Leach and Layton Williams are all hopeful of lifting the Glitterball Trophy on Saturday in what promises to be one of the more closely-contested finals in recent years. Six more famous faces will compete in their own competition on December 25, however, looking to follow in the footsteps of Coronation Street's Alexandra Mardell, who emerged victorious in the festive season last year.
Earlier this month the BBC revealed the identities of three contestants taking part this year, namely broadcaster Dan Snow, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and BBC Breakfast's Sally Nugent. The broadcaster has since added three more famous faces to the competition in Children's ITV presenter Tillie Amartey, former England rugby international Danny Cipriani and Sugababes star Keisha Buchanan.
The show will air at 4:40pm on BBC1 on Christmas DayA statement from the broadcaster on Tuesday read: "Strictly Come Dancing returns to the Ballroom for a Christmas special bringing festive fun, frolics and fab-u-lous dancing for all the family to enjoy on Christmas Day as six brand new stars take to the floor in a bid to be crowned Christmas Champion 2023, but will the judges be naughty or nice this year?
"Sam Ryder will also be performing in the Ballroom and there are two spectacular group routines guaranteed to bring Christmas cheer. The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air at 4.40pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day."
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Dan, who is also a best-selling author and entrepreneur, will partner Nadiya Bychkova. Ahead of the event, he told the BBC: "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!"
Jamie, who is best known for playing Jay Brown in Albert Square will be paired with Nancy Xu, meanwhile. He explained: "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!"
Sally, who in recent times has been known for her work with former sports stars who have been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, partners Graziano Di Prima. The excited star 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."
Sam Ryder will also perform on this year's showTillie is no stranger to the BBC having starred as Stace Neville in Waterloo Road. Ahead of her partnership with Neil Jones, she declared: "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, who has enjoyed a long career in rugby and previously dated Kelly Brook will Jowita Przystał on Christmas Day. 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 singer-songwriter Keisha, who as a founding member of girl-band the Sugababes boats a string of platinum selling records on her CV, will team up with Gorka Márquez. She told BBC: "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!"
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day.
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