STRICTLY Come Dancing has delivered a festive feast of star talent for its Christmas special this year.
There’s a soap star, pop royalty and a Gladiator among the famous faces set to compete for the prestigious glitterball.
Strictly’s Christmas line-up this year is a crackerCredit: BBC/Guy Levy
Not only that, but the pressure is on to make sure outgoing hosts is done justice.
Scroll down to see if the celebs on your wish list made the cut:
Scarlett Moffatt
Age: 35
Profession: TV star
Scarlett Moffatt is ready to leave it all on the Strictly dance floorCredit: BBC
The former Gogglebox star and Queen of the Jungle was and immediately became a favourite to win due to her dancing background.
Dancing with Vito Coppola, a winner with Ellie Leach, Scarlett said: “I’m sure it’ll also introduce me to a few muscles I didn’t know I had. I can’t wait to live my best life on that dancefloor.”
Mel Blatt
Age: 50
Profession: Pop star
Will Melanie Blatt have the moves to match her voice?Credit: BBC
isn’t afraid of taking on a new challenge having swapped her pop career to make gourmet burgers in a London pub.
Mel’s straight-talking sass made her the standout star of the recent Girlbands Forever documentary, and she’ll be hoping pro dancer Kai Widdrington can bring the best out of her in the ballroom.
Nicholas Bailey
Age: 54
Profession: Actor
Nicholas Bailey said he wife and daughter can’t wait to watch him danceCredit: BBC/Instagram
Soap legend Nicholas was the first male dancer to be announced for the series and has been paired up with Luba Mushtuk.
It’ll be family affair for the EastEnders favourite, who admits his wife and daughter are even more excited than he is.
Nicholas’ return to Albert Square this year as Doctor Anthony Trueman has served as the perfect reintroduction ahead of the festive series.
Jodie Ounsley (Fury)
Age: 24
Profession: Gladiator
Jodie Ounsley aka Gladiator Fury will be a powerful presence on the showCredit: BBC
Fighting fit of her fellow Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (Nitro) who showed it’s possible to be buff and light-footed.
She is also flying the flag for the deaf community as, like former finalist Tasha Ghouri, Jodie has a cochlear implant.
Brian McFadden
Age: 45
Profession: Singer
Cheeky chappy Brian McFadden is a 90s pop legendCredit: Getty
Former Westlife star Brian has been revealed for the Christmas special.
He’s been busy on tour with Keith Duffy as Boyzlife – performing the hits of their groups Boyzone and Westlife, respectively in recent years.
Though he’s no stranger to moving on stage, the ballroom will be a different proposition entirely.
Babatunde Aléshé
Age: 39
Profession: Comedian
Babatunde Aléshé is the final celebrity contestant confirmed for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025Credit: Babatunde Aléshé is the fifth celebrity contestant confirmed for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025
The professional stand-up is a mainstay of panel shows and comedy clubs but will now be taking to the Strictly ballroom this Christmas.
Babatunde will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancer Nancy Xu when he enters the Strictly Christmas ballroom this December.
And he’s no stranger to the dancefloor.
He said: “I used to do a little dancing when I was in college.
“I used to do Street Locking and Break Dancing, but then I found comedy and pursued that instead.
“At 39 I’ve accepted that a good two-step is all I need to get by at any function, but I know that won’t be enough for Strictly!
“Let’s hope the old moves come back to me in time for Christmas.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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