Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special 2021: which celebrity contestants are taking part and when is it on?

Strictly Come Dancing is the gift that keeps on giving, as a Christmas special is scheduled to air just one week after the current competition ends.

The BBC One dancing competition always includes a star-studded line up, and the festive cast looks to be the star on the top of the tree.

So far, BBC bosses have teased the first three contestants appearing on the show. Here is what we know so far about the Strictly Christmas special.

Strictly Christmas special 2021 line up

The show is set to be a Santastic night of festive jingles, sparkling costumes and stars.

While the usual format includes a dozen dancing duos, the Christmas edition will only feature six.

Three have already been revealed by Rylan Clarke on Strictly: It Takes Two.

The latest confirmed contestant is former Bake Off host, comedian and presenter Mel Giedroyc.

Following the announcement that she will rocking around the Strictly stage, the 53-year-old said: “I don’t think I’ve been this excited about Christmas since I got my first guinea-pig from Santa in 1978.”

“I’m worried about the bunions, the hernia, the pelvic floor – and going blank,” she added.

Mel is in good hands though, as she has been partnered with Neil Jones.

Also joining Mel for the Christmas special is famous French maître d’hôtel Fred Sirieix, who is best known for First Dates and his hilarious tours of Europe with chefs Gino D’Acampo and Gordon Ramsey.

Fred will be dancing with Dianne Buswell. He said he was “delighted to be taking part in the Strictly Christmas special,” and to be partnered with “the magnificent Dianne”.

“I absolutely love Christmas,” he added.

The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades was the first contestant to be confirmed, so lets hope his footwork is as skilled as his handiwork.  The 51-year-old will dance with Luba Mushtuk.

Father-of-one Jay joked: “I’m super excited, times two! One, because I’m going to learn a new dance apart from the “Dad” dance, and two because I’m going to be on Strictly.”

When is the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special on TV?

The Strictly Christmas Special will have a primetime showing, as it is scheduled for the evening of Christmas Day.

Once you’ve tucked into your turkey and all the trimmings, the dancing competition will air its one-off special for some light family entertainment.

At time has not yet been announced for the showing, this article will be updated in due course.