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Virgin Radio
30 Nov 2022, 10:34
Credit: Twitter @bbcstrictly
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the celebrity contestants for Strictly Come Dancing’s Christmas Special are being announced.
Strictly Come Dancing is returning to the Ballroom for an all-star Christmas special with six brand new celebrity contestants taking to the floor in a bid to be crowned Christmas Champion 2022.
The couples will perform a Christmas inspired routine with the hopes of impressing the judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, Head Judge Shirley Ballas, and the voting audience.
So, who are the contestants this year?
The first of the celebrity contestants to take to the festive dancefloor has been revealed as presenter and podcaster Rosie Ramsey.
Rosie is probably best known for her award-winning podcast, Sh**ged Married Annoyed, which she makes with husband and comedian Chris Ramsey. The show, which first aired in February 2019, has attracted over 100 million downloads and won a variety of awards, including Best Comedy Podcast at the National Comedy Awards 2021 and Best Independent Podcast in the ARIAS last year.
Fans of Strictly might also remember that husband Chris competed on the main series in 2019. He was something of an underdog but managed to shimmy his way to the Semi-Finals, finishing in fourth place.
Hopefully, he can give her some tips!
Rosie, who will be paired with professional dancer Neil Jones, said: "I am thrilled to be dancing in this year’s Strictly Christmas special! After watching my husband Chris compete a few years ago, I’ve been desperate to get on that dance floor myself! I also absolutely LOVE Christmas, and my partner Neil is lovely, so this is just perfect. Best. Christmas. Ever!"
The second celeb to be confirmed for the Christmas special is DJ Rickie Haywood-Williams, who will be paired with professional dancer Luba Mushtuk.
Rickie is a radio DJ and has been on their airwaves with his co-presenters Melvin Odoom and Charlie Hedges for a number of years. He also hosts the Footballers' Football podcast for BBC Sounds.
Speaking about the show, he said: “I have watched Strictly over the years and always said I’d be too scared to do it. But here I am ready to go for it, sequins n’ all.”
Best known for her role as Emma Brooke in Coronation Street, Alexandra will be joining the Christmas Special with professional dancer Kai Widdrington.
In 2019, the actress won the British Soap Award for Best Newcomer and was nominated for Best Newcomer and Serial Drama Performance at the National Television Awards in the same year. She will soon star in the lead role for a new ITV series, The Family Pile and has also featured in the iconic series Vera, where she played the role of Kelly Horton.
Speaking about the announcement, Mardell said: “I’ve grown up with Strictly Come Dancing, and my Mum always said she’d love to see me on the show so this really is the best Christmas present I could give her. I can’t wait to get into the training room and see what festive moves I can bring to the table!”
Larry becomes the fourth contestant to be confirmed for the festive celebration and will be partnering up with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova.
He is probably best known for playing Mick Shipman in the hit BBC comedy series Gavin & Stacey and Archie Mitchell in EastEnders. He also presents the Channel 5 documentary series Britain by Bike, which sees him and his son George cycle across Britain.
He 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.”
It is expected that the remaining contestants for the Christmas Special will be revealed over the coming days, so watch this space!
It has also been rumored that former judge Bruno Tonioli would be making a comeback for the special- but he will apparently be singing rather than dancing.
A date for Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2022 has yet to be confirmed.
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