With a stunning winter wonderland opening number filmed at Lapland UK, Sir Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly once again preside over the merry proceedings, and judges Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood will be on hand to dish out some Christmas cheer and scores.
This year the ladies learning to trip the light fantastic, just in time for Christmas, are: star of The Saturdays Rochelle Hume, West End singing sensation Elaine Page, and radio DJ Sara Cox.
The gentlemen set to do battle of the ballroom alongside them are: singer Matt Goss, EastEnders’ actor Ricky Norwood and comedian and West End performer Rufus Hound.
All six celebrities are huge fans of Strictly, and two have even dipped their toe in the world of BBC dance shows before, all in the name of charity. Rochelle took part in Strictly Come Dancing for Children in Need in 2010 up against Harry Judd, before he went on to become Strictly champion in 2011. Rufus also wowed audiences during Let’s Dance for Comic Relief in 2010 as well, where he famously morphed into Cheryl Cole and taking on her Fight For This Love routine.
They’ll be up against Strictly super fans Elaine and Sara, who both currently present shows on BBC Radio 2; singer Matt, originally famous for his part in 80s boy band Bros – who has performed on Strictly but from behind the security of a mic stand; and Ricky who will be trading in the streets of Albert Square for the dance floor.
Professional dancers Robin Windsor, Pasha Kovalev and Ian Waite will partner the female celebrities, and Aliona Vilani, Janette Manrara and Flavia Cacace will partner the male celebrities.
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will be broadcast on Christmas Day on BBC One
