Strictly Come Dancing celebrates Christmas day with six celebrities returning to the dancefloor to spread Christmas joy.
The line-up consists of some of the show’s most popular contestants including Anita Rani, Ann Widdecombe, Caroline Flack, Aston Merrygold, Jake Wood and Michael Vaughan.
Based on fairy tales the stars will be performing Christmas-inspired routines to win the Silver Star trophy.
Anita Rani, TV presenter
RTS award-winner Rani is recently known for her presenting segments on The One Show and Countryfile.
Rani competed in the 13th series of the dancing show.
“I can’t contain my excitement about dancing again and getting sparkly for Strictly, stepping back inside the glitter ball of glam!”
Ann Widdecombe, Politician
Known for her time in politics, Widdecombe made an impact in series eight of the dancing competition.
"I am very much looking forward to returning to Strictly, where I shall once again be pushed, pulled, cajoled and coaxed around the dancefloor in all manner of ways by my poor dance partner. Who knows, they might even fire me out of a canon."
Caroline Flack, TV presenter
Presenter on the RTS award-winning Love Island, Flack was crowned champion of the 12th series.
“I can’t quite believe it’s been four years since I had the best time of my life, dancing with Pasha on the Strictly dance floor. My Glitterball still has pride of place in my living room! It always felt like a family at the SCD studios, so how could I say no to performing one last time on this year’s Christmas special? It’ll be the best present I could imagine.”
Aston Merrygold, Singer-songwriter
Former member of boyband JLS, Merrygold missed out on victory in the series 15, but will he lift the Silver Star trophy this Christmas?
“I’m so happy to be able to get back in the Strictly floor. I feel like I’ve got some unfinished business with it!”
Jake Wood, Actor
Best known for playing Max Branning on EastEnders, Wood appeared on series 12.
“It’s been a few years since I donned the sequins so I can’t wait to do it all over again for the Christmas Special. I loved my experience on Strictly Come Dancing and I jumped at the chance when they asked if I wanted to step back onto the dancefloor.”
Michael Vaughan, Cricketeer
Former captain of the England cricket team, Vaughan competed in series 10.
“Having not danced at all since 2012 I can’t be any worse than then as I had no clue then, still have no clue, but can’t wait to have some fun and at least it will help lose a few pounds over the Xmas party season!”
This year’s Christmas special also sees the return of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, as well as the fearsome judging panel Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Head Judge Shirley Ballas.
Although the judges will be scoring the performances, the studio audience will ultimately decide this year’s Christmas champions.
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2018 airs on Christmas day on BBC One.
