Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special 2024: release date, celebrity line up and everything we know

Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke sitting behind the festive judging desk for Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special 2024
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke are feeling festive! (Image credit: BBC)

Christmas TV doesn't get any more sparkly than the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special 2024, and once again we are in for a treat as the Strictly ballroom is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. 

Following hot on the heels of Strictly Come Dancing 2024 the all-star Christmas special promises to dazzle audiences with a magical blend of dance, glitter and festive cheer as six brand-new celebrity contestants take to the floor in a bid to impress the judges. 

But who will be wowing the judges with their fancy festive footwork? Here is everything you need to know about the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2024...

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2024 release date 

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special 2024 will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day. 

As soon as a time has been announced we will add it to this guide. 

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2024 line up

As always, the Christmas special will welcome six celebrities to the Strictly dancefloor, all ready to perform a festive-fueled routine in the hope of impressing the judges. 

The lineup will be announced on Strictly It Takes Two over the coming days. Here is who has been confirmed so far... 

Josh Widdicombe

Josh Widdicombe for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special 2024

(Image credit: BBC)

Stand-up comedian Josh Widdicombe was the first celebrity announced to be taking part in this year's Christmas special and he will be paired with professional dancer Karen Hauer.

Josh has starred in over thirty series of Channel 4’s The Last Leg as a team captain and co-hosts the hugely successful podcast Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett. He has also written two Sunday Times Bestselling books and appeared on multiple comedy panel shows including Smart TV, QI, A League Of Their Own, Have I Got News For You and Taskmaster to name but a few. 

Speaking of his festive challenge, Josh said: “I am utterly terrified this will end in humiliation and worried I’m going to be so bad I will ruin Christmas for the nation. Why have I done this?” 

Tayce

Tayce in a red top for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 Christmas special

(Image credit: BBC)

Welsh-born Tayce was a finalist on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 2. She is often dubbed the 'Naomi Campbell of Drag' and she models across the world in runway fashion shows. She has presented on BBC Radio 1, MTV and Sky. Tayce performs her drag act globally and has also released her own rap single.

Tayce will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Kai Widdrington.

Speaking of joining Strictly, Tayce says: "I cannot wait to sleigh on the Strictly Ballroom floor. My partner and I are going to dance for our lives! In all seriousness, it’s an incredible honour to be the first Drag artist to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing. I hope I do all of my Drag Race and Welsh fans proud! Sign me up for all the glitz, glam and discoballs."

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2024 judges 

Once again, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas will be behind the judging desk, all hoping to see some seriously impressive footwork. 

As with previous Christmas specials, the judges' scores along with the voting studio audience will determine who will be lifting the sought-after Christmas trophy. 

Tess and Claudia presenting Strictly Come Dancing 2024

Tess and Claudia are back! (Image credit: BBC/Guy Levy)

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2024 hosts 

It is thought that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be sleighing their way to Elstree once again to return to their hosting duties. The pair have been co-presenting Strictly since 2010 and we couldn't imagine anyone else at the helm of the nation's favorite dancing competition! 

Is there a trailer for Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2024?

Not yet, it is a little bit early for a trailer, but as soon as one is released we will add it to this guide. 

Behind the scenes and more on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2024

Strictly Come Dancing is a BBC Studios Entertainment Production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC. 

The Executive Producer for BBC Studios is Sarah James, the Christmas Series Editor is Kim Allinson and the Series Editors are Nicola Fitzgerald and Jack Gledhill and the Series Producers are Ciara Murray and Joe Turner. 

The Senior Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Jo Wallace. 

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.