Strictly Come Dancing returns to the Ballroom as six brand new celebrity contestants take to the dance floor in an all-star Christmas special.
Each of the six dancing couples will be learning a Christmas inspired routine in the hopes of impressing the judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, Head Judge Shirley Ballas, and the voting audience.
Rosie Ramsey
You may know her as the co-host of the hit podcast Shagged. Married. Annoyed, or the person who gives a hilariously real, brutally honest depiction of everyday life on her social media channels. Podcaster, TV host and author Rosie Ramsey will be strutting her stuff for Strictly with professional dancer Neil Jones as her partner.
Rosie said: "I am thrilled to be dancing in this year’s Strictly Christmas special! After watching my husband Chris compete a few years ago, I’ve been desperate to get on that dance floor myself! I also absolutely LOVE Christmas, and my partner Neil is lovely, so this is just perfect. Best. Christmas. Ever!"
Rickie Haywood-Williams
DJ and presenter Rickie Haywood-Williams will be donning some sparkly spandex while dancing with his professional partner Luba Musktuk to wow the strictly judges.
Having previously presented the KISS FM breakfast show for 10 years before moving to the BBC, Rickie currently presents the iconic BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge show with Melvin Odoom and Charlie Hedges. He’s also the host of the BBC Sounds hit podcast The Footballers’ Football podcast.
Rickie said: “I have watched Strictly over the years and always said I’d be too scared to do it. But here I am ready to go for it, sequins n’ all.”
Alexandra Mardell
Soap star Alexandra Mardell is an actor best known for her role as Emma Brooker in Coronation Street, for which she won the British Soap Award for Best Newcomer in 2019. Soon she’ll be taking a lead role in the ITV sitcom The Family Pile, but before that she’ll be seen shimmying on the dance floor with her professional dance partner Kai Widdrington.
Alexandra said: “I’ve grown up with Strictly Come Dancing, and my Mum always said she’d love to see me on the show so this really is the best Christmas present I could give her. I can’t wait to get into the training room and see what festive moves I can bring to the table!”
Larry Lamb
Stage and screen actor Larry Lamb, perhaps best known for playing Gavin's dad Mick Shipman in Gavin & Stacey and Archie Mitchell in EastEnders, has been confirmed as a Strictly Christmas contestant. He'll be paired up with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova.
Larry said: “Christmas has come early! I can’t wait to get on the dance floor and learn a brand new skill ready for all those festive parties. I am excited yet incredibly nervous but I know Nadiya will look after me, and I look forward to adding a bit of extra sparkle to Christmas day.”
Nicola Roberts
Sound of the Underground singer Nicola Roberts of the iconic girl group Girls Aloud, who actually formed 20 years ago this Christmas, will be refreshing her dance routines alongside her professional partner, Giovanni Pernice.
In 2011, Nicola co-wrote and released her solo album Cinderella's Eyes, and prior to covid she also made her Westend debut in the play City of Angels. In 2020, she
Nicola said: “It’s truly an honour to be part of Strictly, but to be invited on to the prestigious Christmas day episode is something very special indeed. They’ve promised me extra glitter, sparkle and frosting all wrapped up together with a big bow on top. What more could a girl wish for at Christmas!”
George Webster
Hailing from Leeds, 22 year old George Webster recently made history as the first presenter on CBeebies with Down's Syndrome. As an actor, George's upcoming projects include Something Special, Casualty and World on Fire. As well as being a public speaker, park runner and ambassador for the disability charity Mencap, George was included in the top 20 in the Radio Times 100 list for creating change in entertainment. George will be paired with Strictly pro Amy Dowden.
George Webster says: "I love Strictly and have watched it every year. I’ve always dreamed of being on the show one year and I’m so excited to be on this year’s Christmas Special! To be partnered with Amy is such an honour, we get on so well, she’s so lovely and an amazing dancer. I’m looking forward to being "Strictlyfied". Bring on the glitter and everything else. I can’t wait to perform on the Strictly dancefloor."