© Photo: BBCStrictly Come Dancing will be heading back to our screens this year for a festive special after last year's Best Of… style show, but they're breaking with the tradition from recent years.
Since 2014, the show has welcomed back previous contestants as they bid to impress the audience with a festive-themed routine, but now they're returning to an old style which saw contestants unable to take part in the main show come to the dancefloor for one night only.
So, who is the show welcoming this year? Click through to find out…
© Photo: BBCAdrian Chiles
Broadcaster Adrian Chiles is hitting the dancefloor this festive season! The TV star and writer, who is best-known for his stints on BBC programmes like The One Show and Radio Five Live, will be paired with one of Strictly's new professional dancers, Jowita Przystal.
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Adrian's statement on joining the show was hilarious. He quipped: "Discouragingly, every one of my family and friends with whom I’ve shared this news, has reacted with horror. They can’t believe it I’m doing it, and neither can I. Thoughts and prayers with whichever poor dancer is lumbered with me."
© Photo: Getty ImagesJay Blades
Repair Shop star Jay Blades will be one of this year's festive celebs, and we are so excited! The star will be paired with Luba Mushtuk, who didn't have a celebrity partner this year. Although Jay is best-known for The Repair Shop, he also presents Money for Nothing and Jay and Dom's Home Fix.
Speaking about joining the show, Jay said: "It's probably one of the things I love doing the most, which is challenging myself – to do something that I've never done before. I can do a dad dance but I can't do formal dancing, so let's dive in there and have a go."
© Photo: Getty ImagesFred Sirieix
We can't believe that First Dates star Fred Sirieix will be heading to the iconic ballroom, but we know he's going to be spectacular. The maître d'hôtel rose to fame on First Dates and Million Pound Menu and has previously worked at the Michelin-starred hotel, La Tante Claire. He will be dancing with Dianne Buswell, who made an early exit from the competition this year after partner Robert Webb was forced to pull out following medical advice.
Reflecting on joining the show, he admitted: "I got the phone call and I was as excited as I was scared. I was so scared, I thought, 'I've got to do it. There's no way I can turn this down.'"
© Photo: Getty ImagesMel Giedroyc
Our third Christmas celeb is none other than former Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc! Alongside Bake Off, Mel is known as a comedian and the host of Eurovision: You Decide, Children in Need and Let It Shine. She'll be dancing with Neil Jones, who was eliminated first this series alongside partner Nina Wadia.
On her joining the show, Mel joked: "I don't think I've been this excited about Christmas since I got my first guinea-pig from Santa in 1978."
Moira Stuart
Moira Stuart OBE will be among the six celebrities battling to be crowned Christmas Champion 2021.
With a radio and television career spanning five decades, Moira is known for presenting almost every BBC news bulletin, including the flagship six o’clock news, as well as hosting her own shows on Classic FM, Moira Stuart Meets… and Moira Stuart’s Hall of Fame Concert.
The multi-award-winning newsreader will be dancing with Aljaž Škorjanec, who was recently partnered with Dragons Den star Sara Davies.
"I’m really looking forward to the Strictly Christmas special. I've loved dancing for as long as I can remember. In fact, it even helped me try to keep warm in my early coldwater flat…" Moira joked.
Anne-Marie
Will Anne-Marie be the one to lift this year's Strictly Christmas trophy?
The Voice star and pop singer is a nine times BRIT Award nominee, including Best British Female Solo Artist. Anne-Marie will be dancing alongside Graziano Di Prima, who was partnered with Judi Love in the 2021 competition until they lost to Adam Peaty and Katya Jones in the dance-off.
Anne-Marie said: "I’m excited to take part in the Strictly Christmas special. I love the show, and who would turn down a dance with Graziano?!"
