Who is performing on Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025? Full line-up for festival episode revealed

The BBC dancing competition show may be in the middle of airing its 24th series on the BBC, but plans are already underway for this year’s Christmas Special episode.

Strictly is set to return to screens over the festive period as a new group of celebrities take to the dancefloor in a one-off challenge against each other, all in the hopes of winning the festive Glitterball trophy.

Here’s everything we know so far about the series.

Who is performing on Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025?

Scarlett Moffatt

Ex-Gogglebox star and I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here winner Scarlett Moffatt was revealed as the first contestant for this year’s festive special. The TV star, 35, is set to be partner with Vito Coppola when she takes to the famous dancefloor this Christmas Day.

Scarlett said: “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.”

Melanie Blatt

Melanie Blatt is known as being a part of one of the biggest girl-groups of the 1990s, performing in All Saints alongside Shaznay Lewis, and sisters Nicole and Natalie Appleton. The group topped the charts with hits such as Never Ever, and Pure Shores. All Saints also won two Brit Awards, including Best British Single and Best British Video for Never Ever.

Melanie will be taking to the floor with professional dancer Kai Widdrington this festive season. Speaking about joining the show, the musician said: “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.”

Jodie Ounsley (AKA Fury)

Jodie Ounsley is best known by her alter-ego Fury on the hit BBC show Gladiators. The rugby player and athlete joined the rebooted show for its launch in 2024 and follows her fellow Gladiator, Nitro (Harry Aikines-Aryeetey), onto the Strictly dancefloor after his participation in the current main series.

Jodie, who will be partnered with Neil Jones, said: “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!”

Nicholas Bailey

Nicholas Bailey is swapping Albert Square for the dancefloor this Christmas as the actor teams up with pro partner Luba Mushtuk. Nicholas recently reprised his role on EastEnders as Dr Anthony Trueman, having first appeared in the BBC soap back in 2000.

Nicholas said: “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.”

Babtunde Aléshé

Podcaster and comedian Babtunde Aléshé will also be taking to the Strictly ballroom this Christmas, where he will be partnered with Nancy Xu. Babtunde will be known to viewers for his stint on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here in 2022 and his appearances on shows such as Taskmaster, Richard Osman’s House Of Games, and Celebrity Gogglebox.

Upon joining the show, he said: “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

Former Westlife member Brian McFadden rounds out the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special lineup for 2025. The Irish musician was a member of the chart-topping boyband from 1998 until 2004. He also went on to launch a solo career and in recent years toured as part of Boyzlife, alongside Boyzone star Keith Duffy.

Brian, who will be dancing with Michelle Tsiakkas on the Christmas episode, said: “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.”

When is the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special on TV?

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special is expected to return to its usual slot on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day (December 25). The annual festival special is normally one of the BBC’s biggest Christmas Day hits, with millions of viewers tuning in for the Strictly glitz.

The BBC has yet to confirm its Christmas Day line-up, however expect Strictly to be back with a bang.