It's almost time for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special! Set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day, the episode welcomes six brand-new celebrity contestants as they battle it out on the dancefloor in a bid to be crowned Christmas Champion 2022.
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Taking part in the festive-themed special, six couples will perform a Christmas-inspired routine in front of our favourite Strictly judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas.
But who's set to star in the Christmas special? We're revealing this year's celebrity contestants…
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2022 contestants
George Webster
Welcome to the Strictly family, George! The Cbeebies presenters will be dancing alongside Amy Dowden to perform a Charleston, and we can't wait to see him in action. George said: "I love Strictly and have watched it every year. I've always dreamed of being on the show one year and I'm so excited to be on this year's Christmas Special!
"To be partnered with Amy is such an honour, we get on so well, she's so lovely and an amazing dancer. I'm looking forward to being 'Strictlyfied'. Bring on the glitter and everything else. I can’t wait to perform on the Strictly dancefloor."
© Photo: BBCNicola Roberts
The Girls Aloud singer will be joining the gang for the Christmas special! Partnered with Giovanni Pernice, the star said: "It’s truly an honour to be part of Strictly, but to be invited on to the prestigious Christmas day episode is something very special indeed. They’ve promised me extra glitter, sparkle and frosting all wrapped up together with a big bow on top. What more could a girl wish for at Christmas!"
Larry Lamb
Welcome to Strictly, Larry Lamb! The Gavin and Stacey star will be performing with Nadiya Bychkova, and opened up about putting on his dancing shoes. 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."
Rosie Ramsey
Rosie Ramsey will be battling it out in the Strictly ballroom this year alongside her dance partner, Neil Jones.
Famed for fronting the podcast 'Sh**ged. Married. Annoyed' with her husband Chris Ramsey, she also co-hosts The Chris & Rosie Ramsey Show which is due to return for a second series next year on BBC Two.
Rosie Ramsey has been paired with Neil Jones for the Christmas special
Of her participation, the mum-of-two 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!"
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Rickie Haywood-Williams
Rickie Haywood-Williams has been confirmed as one of this year's celebrity contestants, and he's been paired up with professional dancer Luba Mushtuk.
Rickie Haywood-Williams will be partnered with Luba Mushtuk
A DJ and presenter, he's known for helming the KISS FM breakfast show, as well as the 2016 series Bang on the Money, before moving to the BBC. He currently hosts BBC Radio 1's iconic Live Lounge show with Melvin Odoom and Charlie Hedges.
Speaking about the Christmas Special on the Footballers' Football podcast, Rickie 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."
Alexandra Mardell
Coronation Street star Alexandra Mardell is also in with a chance of being crowned the Strictly Christmas Champion this year.
Best known for playing Emma Brooker in the ITV soap opera, in 2019 she took home the British Soap Award for Best Newcomer and was nominated for both Best Newcomer and Serial Drama Performance at the National Television Awards. You might also recognise her from the ITV crime drama, Vera, in which she played Kelly Horton.
Coronation Street's Alexandra Mardell will be taking to the dancefloor
While announcing the news on BBC Radio 5 Live! Alexandra 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!"
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