Caroline Flack set to return to Strictly Come Dancing for Christmas 2018 special

Caroline Flack is reportedly returning to Strictly Come Dancing for its upcoming Christmas special – as Neil Jones’ celebrity partner.

The Love Island presenter won the twelfth series of the glitzy BBC show in 2014, alongside partner Pasha Kovalev.

Now she’s set to make her dancefloor comeback, as The Sun claims she has signed up to join Strictly’s annual festive special, airing on Christmas Day.

However, she won’t be reunited with Pasha – as bosses are instead planning to pair her with Neil Jones.

Although Neil’s a much-loved member of Strictly’s team of professionals, it would be only the second time he’s danced with a celebrity contestant. He first performed with Judy Murray in last year’s show.

Producers are apparently eager to reward him for his “dignified” reaction to the controversy surrounding Seann Walsh and his wife Katya.

“Caroline jumped at the chance,” a source told the newspaper. “She expected to be paired up with pro dancer Pasha Kovalev again.

“But Strictly bosses were inundated with requests for Neil to finally get a celebrity dance partner.

“It’s their way of showing Neil they support him and are ­grateful for the dignified way he handled the situation with Seann and Katya.”

The mole added: “Neil hopes this is the next step to being paired up with a celeb next year on the main series of the show.”

Rehearsals for Strictly’s Christmas edition are thought to be starting this week. It’s currently unclear which other famous faces might be taking part.

Following Strictly, Caroline will swap her dancing shoes for an apron as she takes on another reality TV favourite.

Last week she was confirmed as one of the contestants on The Great British Bake Off’s upcoming run of celebrity specials.

Meanwhile, reports suggest ITV2 is planning a Love Island Christmas reunion.