The stars on the line up of the Strictly Come Dancing 2021 Christmas special have been confirmed.
After a year out, the festive special will return this year on Christmas Day at 5:10PM on BBC One and iPlayer. Six celebrity contestants will take to the dance floor for an all-star Christmas extravaganza special.
Each of the couples will perform a Christmas-inspired routine with the hope of impressing the judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, Head Judge Shirley Ballas, and the voting audience. But who will lift the coveted Strictly Come Dancing Christmas trophy?
So, who’s on Strictly this Christmas? Meet the full line up of confirmed stars and pros below…
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas contestants
Anne-Marie and Graziano Di Prima
Graziano Di Prima, Anne Marie – (C) BBC – Photographer: Guy Levy
Anne-Marie is an award-winning, platinum-selling pop singer. She is a nine x BRIT Award nominee, including Best British Female Solo Artist. In 2021, Anne-Marie released her acclaimed second studio album ‘Therapy’, released her debut book, You Deserve Better, and become a winning coach on ITV’s The Voice.
Anne-Marie said: “I’m excited to take part in the Strictly Christmas special. I love the show, and who would turn down a dance with Graziano?!”
Moira Stuart and Aljaž Škorjanec
Moira Stuart, Aljaz Skorjanec – (C) BBC – Photographer: Guy Levy
Moira Stuart is a multi-award-winning newsreader, and programme presenter on TV and radio. Her career in radio and television spans five decades. During more than 40 years at the BBC she presented almost every news bulletin, including the flagship Six O’Clock News and Nine O’Clock News.
Moira Stuart said: “I’m really looking forward to the Strictly Christmas special. I’ve loved dancing for as long as I can remember. In fact it even helped me try to keep warm in my early coldwater flat…”
Adrian Chiles and Jowita Przystal
Jowita Przysta?, Adrian Chiles – (C) BBC – Photographer: Guy Levy
Adrian Chiles is a broadcaster and writer. He has presented a number of TV shows across the BBC and ITV ranging from football to business programming, documentaries to talk shows.
Adrian Chiles said: “Discouragingly, every one of my family and friends with whom I’ve shared this news, has reacted with horror. They can’t believe it I’m doing it, and neither can I. Thoughts and prayers with whichever poor dancer is lumbered with me.”
Jay Blades and Luba Mushtuk
Luba Mushtuk, Jay Blades – (C) BBC – Photographer: Guy Levy
Jay Blades MBE is a modern furniture restorer and presenter. He is best known for presenting The Repair Shop, Jay’s Yorkshire Workshop; Money for Nothing and Jay Blades’ Home Fix. In addition to his television work, Jay spends time running workshops and motivating disadvantaged people in the community.
Jay Blades said: “I’m super excited, times two! One, because I’m going to learn a new dance apart from the ‘Dad’ dance, and two because I’m going to be on Strictly! It’s a show that I’ve always admired, and I can’t wait to see how I perform!”
Fred Sirieix and Dianne Buswell
Fred Sirieix, Dianne Buswell – (C) BBC – Photographer: Guy Levy
Fred Sirieix is a TV personality, author and maître d’hôtel, known for his role on Channel 4’s First Dates and the spin-off show, First Dates Hotel. He also presents BBC Two’s Remarkable Places to Eat and stars in ITV’s hit series Gino, Gordon and Fred.
Fred Sirieix said: “I absolutely love Christmas so I’m delighted to be taking part in the Strictly Christmas special and to be partnered with the magnificent Dianne. I hope my dance moves bring some Christmas joy to everybody watching at home and don’t make the judges say ‘Bah, Humbug!'”
Mel Giedroyc and Neil Jones
Mel Giedroyc, Neil Jones – (C) BBC – Photographer: Guy Levy
Mel is an actress, comedian, writer, television and radio presenter. She has presented BBC’s Children in Need, Let It Shine and Eurovision – You Decide. Along with her comedy partner Sue Perkins, she co-hosted seven series of The Great British Bake Off and together they starred in the Sky series Hitmen.
Mel Giedroyc said: “I don’t think I’ve been this excited about Christmas since I got my first guinea-pig from Santa in 1978”
Each of the six couples will perform a Christmas inspired routine in a bid to be crowned Christmas champions 2021.
Just like the main series, the Xmas show will be hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman while Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas will make up on the panel.
The judges will mark the routines but it’ll be the studio audience who vote for the winning couple, who will take home the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2021 Silver Star trophy.
