The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2022 is heading to BBC One this festive season, and now the first two celebrities taking part have been announced.
Shortly after Strictly Come Dancing 2022 wraps up, there will be the happy knowledge for fans that an all-star Christmas special is on the way, bringing us six brand new celebrity contestants battling to be crowned Christmas Champion 2022.
The first celebrity joining the festive special, which will air in its traditional slot on Christmas Day on BBC One, is Rosie Ramsey.
Rosie will be paired with professional dancer, Neil Jones, and the news that she would be joining the show was announced this morning (Wednesday, November 30) on BBC One’s Morning Live.
Rosie is a Podcaster, TV host and author. She co-hosts the critically acclaimed podcast Sh**ged. Married. Annoyed with husband Chris Ramsey and is co-host of The Chris & Rosie Ramsey Show which will return for a second series next year on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
The second celebrity announced is Rickie Haywood – Williams. Rickie, who will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Luba Mushtuk, is a DJ and presenter, presenting the KISS FM breakfast show for 10 years before moving to the BBC, where he currently presents BBC Radio 1’s iconic Live Lounge show with Melvin Odoom and Charlie Hedges.
Speaking of joining the show, Rosie Ramsey 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!"
Rickie added: "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."
The third celebrity confirmed to take part in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special is former Coronation Street star Alexandra Mardell, who will be paired with Kai Widdrington.
She is best known for playing Emma Brooker in Coronation Street, which she won the British Soap Award for Best Newcomer in 2019 for the role. She has also starred in Vera and is set to appear in the ITV series The Family Pile.
Speaking of joining the Christmas special, she 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!"
Actor Larry Lamb was the fourth celebrity announced to be competing for the Glitter Ball trophy in the Christmas special and he will be dancing with Nadiya Bychkova.
He has appeared in a number of TV shows, playing iconic roles such as Mick Shipman in Gavin & Stacey and soap villain Archie Mitchell in EastEnders.
Larry has also dabbled into the world of presenting as he regularly presents The One Show's history and heritage films and presents Channel 5's docuseries Britain by Bike with his son, George.
Larry 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.”
Girls Aloud singer and winner of The Masked Singer UK season one, Nicola Roberts is set to make her ballroom debut with Giovanni Pernice.
She's best known for being part of the iconic girl band Girls Aloud and has since become a successful campaigner for important issues.
Nicole voiced her excitement of taking part, saying: "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!"
The remaining sixth celebrity will be announced in due course and each of the six couples will perform a Christmas-inspired routine with the hope of impressing the judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, Head Judge Shirley Ballas, and the voting audience.
But who will lift the coveted Strictly Come Dancing Christmas trophy?
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2022 will air on Christmas Day.
In a change to the usual schedule, Strictly Come Dancing 2022 next airs on Friday, December 2 at 8.00 pm on BBC One.
This week's results show will air on Saturday, December 3 on BBC One at 7.30 pm.
