The celebrities on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas line up have been announced.
Strictly Come Dancing is set to make a festive return to the ballroom this Christmas Day, transforming it into an enchanting winter wonderland for a star-studded Christmas special.
In this highly anticipated event, six new celebrity contestants will step onto the dance floor, each aiming to win the title of Christmas Champion 2023.
The special will feature six pairs, each performing a holiday-themed dance routine, hoping to dazzle the judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Head Judge Shirley Ballas – as well as the voting audience in the studio. The competition promises to be fierce as viewers wait to see which couple will shine brightest and take home the coveted Christmas trophy.
Who is on the Christmas Strictly Come Dancing special?
The six celebrities taking part in the 2023 show are:
Get to know the cast below…
Meet the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas line up
Dan Snow and Nadiya Bychkova
Broadcaster Dan Snow was announced as the first celebrity included in 2023’s Christmas line up, he will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova.
Dan Snow said: “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!”
Sally Nugent and Graziano Di Prima
Sally Nugent was the second Christmas celebrity to be revealed, she will be paired with Graziano Di Prima. A familiar face on BBC One’s BBC Breakfast, Nugent has reported on major news and sports events over the past two decades. In recent times, she has gained recognition for her work with former sports stars affected by motor neurone disease.
Sally Nugent 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.”
Jamie Borthwick and Nancy Xu
Actor Jamie Borthwick was revealed as the third Christmas celebrity and he will be paired with Nancy Xu. Jamie is best known for playing Jay Brown in the BBC’s flagship continuing drama EastEnders.
Jamie Borthwick said: “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!”
Tillie Amartey and Neil Jones
Actress Tillie Amartey was revealed as the fourth celebrity in the 2023 Christmas line up. She will be hitting our screens in January 2024 as Stace Neville in BBC One’s hit series Waterloo Road.
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 and Jowita Przystał
Sports star Danny Cipriani is the fifth Christmas celebrity to be revealed. Danny is a former England International and current professional Rugby Union player.
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.”
Keisha Buchanan and Gorka Márquez
The sixth and final celebrity revealed is Singer Songwriter Keisha Buchanan. Keisha is a founding member of platinum selling, critically acclaimed, girl group Sugababes.
Keisha Buchanan 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!”
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air at 4:40PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day.
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