Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special: The Complete Guide For 2026

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special is one of the most anticipated moments of the entire festive television calendar. Every Christmas Day at 5:30pm on BBC One, six celebrities take to the iconic Strictly floor for one glittering, sequin-filled, joyful hour of dancing. No eliminations. No pressure. Just the best party on television. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 special and a look back at every past winner.

Keep dancing…

When Is The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2026?

The 2026 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special hasn’t been officially announced yet. Based on every previous year, expect it to air on Christmas Day on BBC One at around 5:30pm, with the full episode available on BBC iPlayer immediately afterwards.

We’ll update this page the moment the 2026 date and lineup are confirmed — bookmark it and check back from October.

Who Will Be In Strictly’s Christmas Special 2026?

The 2026 celebrity lineup hasn’t been announced yet. Typically, six celebrities are chosen, a mix of familiar faces from the main series, returning fan favourites and a few surprises. Past celebrities have included Gladiators, soap stars, comedians, athletes and newsreaders.

Last year, the special featured Scarlett Moffatt, Melanie Blatt and Jodie Ounsley among its six celebrities. The 2024 special included Billy Monger and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, with Harry enjoying it so much he went on to join the full 2025 series.

Every Strictly Christmas Special – Past Winners

• 2004 — First ever Strictly Christmas Special – Jill Halfpenny
• 2012 — Sid Owen
• 2013 — Sophie Ellis-Bextor
• 2014 — Mark Wright

2015 — Jay McGuiness

2016 — Tameka Empson

2017 — Debbie McGee

2018 — Ashley Roberts

2019 — Emma Weymouth

2020 — HRVY

2021 — Dan Walker

2022 — Nicola Roberts

2023 — Jamie Borthwick

2024 — Billy Monger

2025 — Scarlett Moffatt

From the first glittering special in 2004 to the most recent Christmas Day extravaganza, the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special never disappoints. Whether you’re a devoted Strictly fan or simply someone who loves a bit of sequinned joy on Christmas afternoon, it’s unmissable television. Bookmark this page; we’ll update it with the full 2026 lineup, celebrity pairings and dance choices the moment they’re announced.

👉 Want the full BBC Christmas Day schedule? See our BBC One Christmas Day Schedule 2025 for every programme and broadcast time.