Strictly Come Dancing reveals Christmas special line-up

The celebrities returning to the dance floor were announced on tonight’s It Takes Two.

Debbie on Strictly in 2017.

“I am so excited to be coming back to Strictly this year, and being able to get back on the dancefloor once again! I’m still the biggest fan of Strictly so it’s wonderful to be back with old friends, in front of and behind the camera,  and hopefully some new ones for Christmas. Bring on the sparkle, and maybe an odd 10 – it is Christmas after all…!” – Chizzy Akudolu

This year the ladies set to sprinkle some Christmas magic on the dancefloor are Chizzy Akudolu, Debbie McGee and Gemma Atkinson. Debbie adds, “I thought all my dreams came true two years ago when I was asked to do the series, but to be one of the rare people to be invited back to do the Christmas Special is the icing on the cake. I can’t wait to be back dancing with my Strictly family”, while Gemma noted, “I had the absolute best time on Strictly and it completely changed my life so I am absolutely overjoyed to be returning to the dancefloor this Christmas with a new challenge, and of course to be back with the gang!”

While Chizzy, Debbie and Gemma all took part in the fifteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, the net has been cast wider when it comes to male celebrities; Joe Sugg was a finalist on last year’s series whilst Richard Arnold and Mark Wright took part in the show in 2012 and 2014 respectively.

Richard goes Club Tropicana in 2012.

Mark said of the special, “It’s been a while since I was on the dancefloor but I’m very much looking to forward to dusting off the dance shoes for Christmas! I can’t wait to be back – let’s get going!” and Richard added, “I can’t wait to get back out on the dance floor and throw shapes beneath the glitter ball once again. I just can’t promise you’ll recognise them or that they’ll be in any particular order. What I can promise is that one of us will be a professional.”

As ever the show will be hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli on hand to critique the celebrities’ Christmas-inspired performances.

However, who gets their hands on the Silver Star trophy will be down to the studio audience who will vote for their favourite couple once all six have danced. The Beeb have not yet revealed which of the Strictly pros will be taking part in the Christmas special and who they will be partnered with.

“I’m really excited to have a go on the strictly ballroom floor again this Christmas. Strictly feels like a home away from home for me so I will be giving it my best shot and ending the year on a high.” – Joe Suggs