Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly for Strictly Come Dancing 2025 / BBC
The six celebrities taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special have been revealed.
The special – airing as usual on BBC One on Christmas Day – will also mark the final time that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are seen together on screen as presenters of the show.
Scroll on to find out who’s in the lineup!
Babatunde Aleshe
Age: 39
Known For: Comedian
Partnered With: Nancy Xu
“I used to do a little dancing when I was in college. I used to do Street Locking and Break Dancing, but then I found comedy and pursued that instead. At 39 I’ve accepted that a good two-step is all I need to get by at any function, but I know that won’t be enough for Strictly! Let’s hope the old moves come back to me in time for Christmas.”
Brian McFadden
Age: 45
Known For: Singer
Partnered With: Michelle Tsiakkas
“I’m delighted to be a part of the Strictly Christmas special. We are big fans of Strictly in our house so to be dancing on Christmas Day on such a magical show will make it a Christmas to remember.”
Jodie Ounsley, aka Fury
Age: 24
Known For: Gladiators star and ex-rugby player
Partnered With: Neil Jones
“I’m absolutely buzzing to be doing the Strictly Christmas Special. Being the first female rugby player means a lot to me too. I honestly can’t wait to get stuck in, I’m used to smashing into people so this is definitely going to be a challenge!”
Melanie Blatt
Age: 50
Known For: All Saints star
Partnered With: Kai Widdrington
“If you can’t have a dance at Christmas, when can you?! I’m so excited to meet Kai and start training to make this a dance to remember.”
Nicholas Bailey
Age: 54
Known For: EastEnders‘ Anthony Trueman
Partnered With: Luba Mushtuk
“I’m really excited to be doing this, almost as excited as my wife and daughters are! Hopefully I’ll do them, Albert Square and Luba proud. Bring on the dancefloor.”
Scarlett Moffatt
Age: 35
Known For: Former Gogglebox star and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! winner
Partnered With: Vito Coppola
“Strictly has always held a special place in my heart, so being part of the Christmas Special feels truly magical. It’s the show that brings everyone together around the TV, and being part of that is a genuine personal and career highlight. I’m sure it’ll also introduce me to a few muscles I didn’t know I had. I can’t wait to live my best life on that dancefloor.”
