Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special confirms more celebrities

By Sydney Barrett Last updated Dec 2, 2022

Strictly Come Dancing has announced a number of celebrities who will be taking part in this year’s Christmas special.

Nicola Roberts, Larry Lamb, Rosie Ramsey, Rickie Haywood-Williams and former Coronation Street star Alexandra Mardell are set to compete in the ballroom this year, with a sixth celebrity yet to be announced.

Nicola, Girls Aloud singer and winner of The Masked Singer UK series one, is paired with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice.

“It’s truly an honor to be a part of Strictly, but to be invited to the prestigious Christmas Day episode is very special indeed,” she said.

“They promised me extra glitter, shine and icing, all along with a big bow on top. What more could a girl want for Christmas!”

Larry is paired with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova. The TV star is known for playing Gavin’s affable father Mick Shipman in ` One comedy Gavin & Stacey, and has also terrorized the Vic as evil bartender Archie Mitchell in EastEnders.

Of his ballroom debut, Lamb said, “Christmas has come early! I can’t wait to hit the dance floor and learn a brand new skill ready for all those festive parties.

“I’m excited but incredibly nervous, but I know Nadiya will be taking care of me and I’m looking forward to adding a little bit of sparkle to Christmas Day.”

Alexandra will also wear sequins to apply for the Christmas Glitter Ball and will be paired with pro Kai Widdrington.

Speaking of her involvement in the special, she said: “I grew up watching Strictly Come Dancing and my mum always said she would love to see me on the show so this is really the best Christmas present I can give her.

“I can’t wait to get into the training room and see what festive moves I can bring to the table!”

Related: Strictly Come Dancing Announces 2021 Christmas Special Winner

Host and podcaster Rosie was announced as the first casting on Wednesday (November 30) – three years after her husband Chris Ramsey’s engagement on the flagship show.

Radio 1 DJ Rickie was then confirmed as the second contestant, saying at the time: “I’ve watched Strictly over the years and always said I was too scared to do it. But here I am ready to try, sequins n’ all.”

Rosie will be paired with professional dancer Neil Jones while Rickie will dance with Luba Mushtuk.

Rosie’s engagement comes after she appeared to be upset about Chris’ Strictly Weight Loss in 2019.

“It’s no secret that she’s a little angry that I lost so much weight at work,” the comedian previously revealed. “It’s not like I have to go to a gym, she’s like, ‘For heaven’s sake!’

“In general, because I have a fast metabolism, I can eat whatever I want and I’m not huge, so she’s very used to being annoyed at how I look, which brings me endless joy.”

Be sure to come dance The next airs on Friday (2 December) at 8pm on ` One, with a results show on Saturday (3 December) at 5.40pm. spin-off show Strictly speaking: it takes two airs weekdays on ` Two. Both shows are also streamed on ` iPlayer.

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