The latest series of Strictly Come Dancing may be drawing to a close but fans will be treated to another festive instalment of the popular BBC show in the coming weeks.
This year's Christmas special will see six brand new celebrity contestants take to the dancefloor. They will each be partnered with a professional dancer for the experience.
The six couples will perform a festive-inspired routine on the show in the hope of impressing the judges and the voting audience. One pair will be crowned champions.
The upcoming special will be hosted by Tess Daly, 53, and Claudia Winkleman, 50. It's set to include a "merry musical performance" and "some spectacular group routines".
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BBC)Image:
BBC/Guy Levy)The celebrities will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of singer Anne-Marie, 31. She won last year's festive special with her professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, 28.
Although it's still a few weeks away, here is what we know so far about the Christmas special. More information will be added once it is announced by the BBC shortly.
Who are the contestants?
The festive special has typically seen past contestants return. This year's show, like last year, will feature six celebrities who haven't previously been on Strictly though.
The line-up so far includes Gavin & Stacey star Larry Lamb, podcast host Rosie Ramsey, 35, radio presenter Rickie Haywood-Williams, 42, former Coronation Street actress Alexandra Mardell, 29. The three other contestants have yet to be announced.
Image:
BBC)Speaking about his appearance on the show, Larry said: "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.”
Image:
Dave Benett/Getty Images)Rosie is known for co-hosting the Sh**ged Married Annoyed podcast with her husband Chris Ramsey, 36, who took part in Strictly in 2019. She will dance with Neil Jones, 40.
Rickie is known for presenting on KISS FM and BBC Radio 1 with Melvin Odoom, 42, who did the regular Strictly and its festive special in 2016. He will dance with Luba Mushtuk, 33.
Meanwhile, Alexandra shot to fame after playing Emma Brooker on Corrie from 2018 but bid farewell to the cobbles back in April.
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BBC/Leigh Keily)However, months on from waving goodbye to the soap, Alexandra has a new TV gig as she'll be dancing her way into the Elstree ballroom in a bid to lift the Christmas Glitterball trophy. She has been paired with pro Kai Widdrington.
The contestants and their dance partners typically perform one routine to a festive song. They receive scores from the judging panel and one pair are later declared winners. The song list for this year's special has yet to be unveiled.
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The line-up follows in the footsteps of the contestants from last year's special. It marked the first time since 2013 that celebrities who hadn't previously taken part were involved.
Prior to that, most previous instalments since 2004 had included returning favourites. The exceptions were the four series from 2010 to 2013 which included new participants.
Who are the judges?
It has been confirmed that the judging panel for the festive special will feature the same judges as the regular show. They were the judges on last year's Christmas special too.
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BBC / Guy Levy)The panel will be headed by Shirley Ballas, 61. She will be joined by fellow judges Craig Revel Horwood, 57, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke, 56, on the one-off special.
When will it air?
Strictly is once again part of the BBC's line-up for Christmas Day. The festive special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, though a time has yet to be announced.
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