Katrina Rees
The line up for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special has been revealed.
Six of the show’s most loved stars from previous series are returning with the hope of winning the Christmas trophy. Donning their dancing shoes once more are Ann Widdecombe, Anita Rani, Caroline Flack, Aston Merrygold, Jake Wood and Michael Vaughan.
Look who’s coming home for Christmas! Welcome back Ann Widdicombe @itsanitarani @AstonMerrygold @carolineflack1 @mrjakedwood and @MichaelVaughan for our festive #Strictly extravaganza, Christmas Day @BBCOne. ? https://t.co/ghX3tWZliW pic.twitter.com/zD84gum6Kk
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) November 5, 2018
Former politician Ann Widdecombe captured the nation’s attention with her hilarious antics in series eight with Anton Du Beke. Speaking about stepping out on the dancefloor once more, she said: “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.”
TV presenter Anita Rani reached the semi finals with Gleb Savchenko in series 13. Speaking about returning to the show, she said: “I can’t contain my excitement about dancing again and getting sparkly for Strictly, stepping back inside the glitter ball of glam!”
Series 12 winner Caroline Flack will also be joining in with the Strictly fun this Christmas. Sharing her excitement, she said: “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.”
Leading the men’s line up is singer Aston Merrygold, who took part in series 15 of the show. After being named as a front runner, he and his partner Janette Manrara were shockingly voted out in week seven. Speaking about his return to the show, Aston said: “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!”
Eastenders star Jake Wood was a fan favourite in series 12, and he’s thrilled to be getting the chance to show off his signature moves once more. He said: “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.”
Completing the line up is cricketer Michael Vaughan, who took part in series 10. Speaking about putting on his dancing shoes again, he said: “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!”
The theme for this year’s Christmas special is Fairytales and making dreams come, therefore we can expect some magical festive routines from the six Strictly stars.
As usual, the show will be hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, whilst Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Shirley Ballas will be judging. Unlike the normal Strictly series, viewers at home will not be able to vote for their favourite couple. Instead, the studio audience will vote for their Strictly winners.
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2018 will air on BBC One on Christmas Day.
