Drumroll, please! The wait is over for fans of *Strictly Come Dancing*, as the glittering lineup for this year’s Christmas special has been locked in with the dramatic reveal of the sixth and final celebrity. During a thrilling episode of the spin-off show *It Takes Two*, host Janette Manrara dropped the bombshell: Westlife legend Brian McFadden is joining the festive fray!
The Irish heartthrob, who’s no stranger to the spotlight after nabbing fourth place on *Dancing On Ice* back in 2019, will be twirling across the dancefloor with the fabulous Michelle Tsiakkas. Brian couldn’t hide his excitement, gushing that Michelle is “brilliant” and an “incredible teacher.” He shared, “I’m delighted to be a part of the *Strictly* Christmas special. We are big fans of *Strictly* in our house so to be dancing on Christmas Day on such a magical show will make it a Christmas to remember.” And get this—his daughter is “absolutely obsessed” with the show, making this a family affair that’s sure to melt hearts!
But Brian isn’t the only star lighting up the holiday episode. Just yesterday, comedian Babatunde Aléshé was unveiled as the fifth celeb, ready to strut his stuff with pro dancer Nancy Xu. He’s in stellar company alongside *EastEnders* alum Nicholas Bailey (remember Anthony Trueman?), who’s paired with the elegant Luba Mushtuk; All Saints singer Melanie Blatt, set to dazzle with Kai Widdrington; and Gladiator powerhouse Jodie Ounsley, who’s teaming up with Neil Jones.
Kicking off the announcements last Friday was the effervescent Scarlett Moffatt, the former *Gogglebox* favorite who spilled the beans herself on *It Takes Two*. She’s waltzing into the spotlight with Vito Coppola and couldn’t be more thrilled: “Strictly has always held a special place in my heart, so being part of the Christmas Special feels truly magical. It’s the show that brings everyone together around the TV, and being part of that is a genuine personal and career highlight. 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.”
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Last year’s yuletide spectacular set the bar sky-high, with drag sensation Tayce and partner Kai claiming victory after a sizzling performance to Kylie and Dannii Minogue’s ‘100 Degrees.’ Who will steal the show this time? The competition is heating up!
Adding a bittersweet note, this Christmas special—filmed before the current season wraps—marks the final bow for beloved hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly on the *Strictly* stage. They’re stepping aside for fresh faces, but don’t worry, the search for their successors is on the horizon. BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips spilled the tea on *The Rest is Entertainment* podcast: “We haven’t got time at the moment to start doing any screen tests or chemistry testing. I don’t think we’ll really be looking at it until the New Year because we want to make sure we deliver a great Strictly series. Having said that, yes—my inbox has been inundated.”
With a mix of pop icons, soap stars, comedians, and athletes, this year’s *Strictly* Christmas special promises non-stop sparkle, jaw-dropping moves, and holiday cheer that’ll have families glued to their screens on December 25. Mark your calendars—this is one festive extravaganza you won’t want to miss!