BBC Strictly Christmas lineup revealed as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman prepare for emotional final show

This year’s Christmas Special marks the end of an era

The BBC has unveiled its star-studded lineup for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, marking a particularly poignant moment for the beloved dance competition.

The festive episode will serve as the final curtain call for long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their departure from the programme in October.

Six celebrities will compete for the coveted Christmas glitterball trophy in what promises to be an emotional farewell for the presenting duo.

The special, set to air on Christmas Day, comes as the current series reaches its climax with just six couples remaining in the competition.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure from the programme in October

The announcement arrives following an eventful weekend at Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom, where Ms Daly and Ms Winkleman hosted their final show at the iconic venue.

The pair, who have fronted the programme together since 2014, will bow out after 21 years and 11 years respectively.

The complete roster features an eclectic mix of talent from across the entertainment spectrum.

Former Gogglebox personality and I’m A Celebrity winner Scarlett Moffatt is set to lead the charge, partnering with professional dancer Vito Coppola.

All Saints vocalist Melanie Blatt will join the festive lineup alongside Kai Widdrington, whilst EastEnders actor Nicholas Bailey will team up with Luba Mushtuk.

Scarlett Moffatt is confirmed for the BBC Strictly Christmas special

Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley, known to fans as Fury, is set to bring her athletic prowess to the dancefloor with Neil Jones.

Meanwhile, former Westlife member Brian McFadden completes the musical contingent, while comedian Babatunde Aléshé rounds out the sextet, dancing with Nancy Xu.

The diverse cast spans television, music, sport and comedy, with ages ranging from 24 to 54.

Each celebrity is anticipated to bring their own unique background to the competition, from Ms Ounsley’s groundbreaking achievements as the world’s first deaf female international rugby sevens player to Mr Bailey’s quarter-century connection to Albert Square.

Ms Moffatt expressed her enthusiasm for the challenge ahead, stating: “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.”

Jodie Ounsley will dance alongside Neil Jones

 | BBC

Mr Bailey shared his excitement about participating, remarking: “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.”

Ms Ounsley, who will make history as the first female rugby player on the show told the BBC: “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!”

Mr Aléshé revealed his dance background, noting: “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.”

The weekend’s Blackpool spectacular proved bittersweet for the departing hosts, who celebrated their final appearance at the Tower Ballroom with tequila shots whilst sporting matching “I heart Blackpool” t-shirts.

The show featured performances from returning alumni, including Danny Mac, Ashley Roberts, Layton Williams and Jay McGuiness.

The festive episode follows La Voix’s withdrawal from the competition due to injury, which resulted in no elimination during Blackpool week.

Ms Daly, who has presented the programme for 21 years, and Ms Winkleman, who joined the main show in 2014 after a decade hosting It Takes Two, shocked fans with their October announcement.

Head judge Shirley Ballas will preside over the Christmas competition alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.

The studio audience will determine the winner, with last year’s crown going to drag artist Tayce and professional partner Kai Widdrington.

Nicholas Bailey will be swapping Albert Square for the Strictly Christmas ballroom alongside his Professional dance partner Luba Mushtuk

The current series continues this Saturday, with the remaining six couples facing elimination once more.

Karen Carney and Carlos Gu will perform a Couple’s Choice routine to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way”, whilst Lewis Cope and Katya Jones attempt to replicate their perfect score with a Rumba to Harry Styles’s “Falling”.

George Clarke and Alexis Warr tackle a Quickstep to Frank Sinatra’s “I Get a Kick Out of You”, while Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon, who have faced four dance-offs, will perform a Jive to Maxine Nightingale’s “Right Back Where We Started From”.

Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe will dance a Cha Cha to Anita Ward’s “Ring My Bell”, despite Kingston’s recent rib dislocation and Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin complete the lineup with a Jive to Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary”.

The couples are also set to face an Instant Dance challenge, performing an unrehearsed routine to impress the judges.