First look at Strictly Christmas special with Larry Lamb and Nicola Roberts — and Bruno's back

Virgin Radio

23 Dec 2022, 16:46

Strictly Come Dancing is back for its annual festive offering and it's set to be a Christmas cracker. This year's yuletide special set to air on Christmas Day will star famous faces including Larry Lamb and Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts.

The Gavin and Stacey actor is partnered with Nadiya Bychkova, DJ Rickie Haywood-Williams is taking on a Latin dance with Luba Mushtuk and Nicola is paired with Giovanni Pernice for a ballroom number.

Other stars include CBeebies presenter George Webster who's dancing with professional Amy Dowden, Neil Jones will dance with podcaster Rosie Ramsey and Corrie actor Alexandra Mardell is paired with Kai Widdrington.

On the special, she said: "It's just fun, I think there's probably quite a lot of competitive people, but not at this moment, we're just having fun, it's Christmas!

"I'll definitely get nervous because I want to perform well but I'm not like 'I have to win'."

Alexandra said: "It's just been a real pleasure, I was very nervous on the first day but it's been fantastic."

Kai added: "Alexandra is a joy to work with, it's just so easy because when someone comes into the rehearsal room with such positivity every day, even though it's only been a brief about of time, it's just been a real pleasure.

"We have a nice, fun, cheeky routine and hopefully have some good quality dancing as well."

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman host the six brand new celebrities and there's a surprise Christmas guest in the form of previous judge Bruno Tonioli who will be performing.

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day at 5.10pm. 

What's on the TV on Boxing Day 2022? Heres' a guide on what to watch.