Strictly Christmas special: Full line-up and air date announced
Six celebs will be taking part
Last updated 3rd Dec 2025
The iconic Strictly ballroom will be transformed into a festive wonderland again this year, as six famous faces take to the dancefloor as they try to become the Christmas Champion of Strictly Come Dancing.
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.
Who is taking part?
All six celebs have now been announced for the 2025 Strictly special, including the latest contestant, singer Brian McFadden, along with Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt and All Saints singer Melanie Blatt.
Check out the Christmas line-up so far below:
Scarlett Moffatt
Best known for: TV personality
Paired with: Vito Coppola
Scarlett said: "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
Best known for: Singer
Paired with: Kai Widdrington
Mel said: "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 (AKA Fury)
Best known for: Gladiators athlete and Rugby player
Paired with: Neil Jones
Jodie said: "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
Best known for: EastEnders actor
Paired with: Luba Mushtuk.
Nicholas said: "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 Aléshé
Best known for: Comedian, Podcaster and Actor
Paired with: Nancy Xu
Babatunde said: "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
Best known for: Singer/songwriter
Paired with: Michelle Tsiakkas
Brian said: "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."
When is the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special on?
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 5.30pm on Christmas Day.
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