Strictly 2025 Christmas Special celebs revealed

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025 will sparkle as six couples compete beneath the glitterball, each hoping to claim the crown as Strictly’s Christmas Champion.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman host the yuletide extravaganza for the very last time, while judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke deliver their trademark mix of dazzling praise, seasonal cheer, and a few cheeky lumps of coal. In the end, it’s the studio audience who will cast the final vote to decide the winner.

Step into a sparkling winter wonderland bursting with holiday magic, spectacular group routines, live music, and plenty of surprises — the ultimate pick‑me‑up after your Christmas feast.

Scarlett Moffat, the much‑loved presenter and TV personality who first captured hearts on Gogglebox before triumphing in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! back in 2016, is stepping into the Strictly spotlight once again.

Scarlett Moffatt said: ‘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.’

Melanie Blatt, celebrated both as a singer and cook, first shot to global stardom in the 1990s as part of the multi‑platinum, award‑winning group All Saints.

This Christmas, she’ll step back into the spotlight, teaming up with Strictly pro Kai Widdrington to dazzle under the glitterball in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.

Melaine Blatt said: ‘If you can’t have a dance at Christmas, when can you?! I’m so excited to meet Kai and start training to make this a dance to remember.’

Jodie Ounsley – best known as Fury from Gladiators – has been revealed as the third celebrity joining the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, produced by BBC Studios and airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this festive season.

The announcement was made on Strictly: It Takes Two, where it was confirmed that Jodie will dazzle on the Christmas dancefloor alongside her professional partner, Neil Jones.

A trailblazer both on and off the pitch, Jodie is a rugby player, athlete, broadcaster, and passionate advocate for the deaf community. Profoundly deaf since infancy, she received a cochlear implant as a child, becoming one of the youngest people in the UK to undergo the pioneering procedure.

Jodie Ounsley says: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be doing the Strictly Christmas Special. Being the first female rugby player means a lot to me too. I honestly can’t wait to get stuck in, I’m used to smashing into people so this is definitely going to be a challenge!”

Actor Nicholas Bailey has been confirmed as the fourth star stepping into the spotlight for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, produced by BBC Studios and set to sparkle on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this holiday season.

Trading the drama of Albert Square for sequins and samba, Nicholas will take to the Strictly floor with his professional partner, Luba Mushtuk.

Familiar to millions as Dr Anthony Trueman in EastEnders, Nicholas first joined the soap 25 years ago, becoming a Walford fixture until 2003. Over the years he has returned for guest appearances, and earlier this year he made a welcome comeback to the Square once again.

Nicholas Bailey says: “‘I’m really excited to be doing this, almost as excited as my wife and daughters are! Hopefully I’ll do them, Albert Square and Luba proud. Bring on the dancefloor.”

Babatunde Aléshé has been unveiled as the fifth celebrity stepping into the spotlight for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, produced by BBC Studios and set to sparkle on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this December.

He’ll be teaming up with professional dancer Nancy Xu, ready to bring his energy and charisma to the glittering Christmas ballroom.

Babatunde Aléshé says: “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.”

Babatunde is no stranger to the stage. An award-winning stand-up comedian, actor, and podcaster, he has entertained audiences across the UK with his sharp wit and storytelling. His most recent headline tour wrapped up this week, and he’s already preparing to take his comedy worldwide with international dates planned for 2026.

With glitter, glamour, and a dash of festive fun, the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025 promises to be the perfect seasonal celebration. As the couples twirl under the glitterball and the judges deliver their verdicts, only one pair will claim the crown — but everyone will leave with a little extra sparkle this Christmas.