Full line-up of contestants revealed for Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2023
Six celebrities will take to the dancefloor
Last updated 24th Nov 2023
The full line-up of contestants has been announced for this year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, which will air on Christmas Day. The iconic Strictly ballroom will be transformed into a festive wonderland as six famous faces take to the dancefloor as they try to become the Christmas Champion.
Judges Craig Revel-Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas will return as they share their thoughts on the routines, with the winner decided by the studio audience.
The first three stars to be announced were history broadcaster Dan Snow, BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent and EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick. The final three famous faces to be revealed were actress Tilly Amartey, rugby player Danny Cipriani and Sugababes star Keisha Buchanan.
Who is taking part?
Dan Snow
Age: 44
Known for: History broadcaster
Paired with: Nadiya Bychkova
Sally Nugent
Age: 52
Known for: BBC Breakfast presenter
Paired with: Graziano Di Prima
Jamie Borthwick
Age: 29
Known for: EastEnders actor
Paired with: Nancy Xu
Tilly Amartey
Age: 20
Known for: Actress
Paired with: Neil Jones
Danny Cipriani
Age: 36
Known for: Rugby player
Paired with: Jowita Pryzstal
Keisha Buchanan
Age: 39
Known for: Sugababes singer
Paired with: Gorka Marquez
Dan will be paired with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova. A broadcaster, best-selling author and entrepreneur, he spent 15 years working for the BBC, History Channel and Discovery before founding the channel History Hit in 2016.
Speaking about his excitement for the show, the 44-year-old said: "I am absolutely terrified about hitting the dance floor. But I love getting out of my comfort zone and I've always wanted to learn how to dance properly. So I thought it was now or never!"
52-year-old BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent will be paired with Graziano Di Prima. Sally said: "I am thrilled and slightly terrified to be taking part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.
"I'm hoping the judges will be kind - and filled with Christmas spirit. And I hope everyone watching at home will enjoy a little bit of Strictly magic on Christmas night."
The third celebrity to be announced was Jamie Borthwick, who is best known for playing Jay Brown in EastEnders and will be dancing with Nancy Xu. The 29-year-old actor said: "I am so excited to be joining the cast of this years' Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.
"From Walford to a Waltz, I can't wait to learn a new skill and put my dancing to the test. I'm hoping to spread Christmas cheer and have a good laugh with my professional dancer...get me on that dancefloor!"
Actress Tilly Amartey will also be taking to the dancefloor this Christmas, alongside professional partner Neil Jones. Tilly has worked on shows for Sky, CBBC and Channel 5, and is set to join Waterloo Road in January 2024.
Tilly said: “My family have been avid fans of Strictly since forever so no pressure! The nerves are real, but I am SUPER excited to bring some much-needed joy to the telly while I shimmy and sparkle my two left feet through the Christmas special!”
Former England International and professional rugby union player Danny Cipriani will be swapping the pitch for the dancefloor this Christmas. Danny has been paired with Jowita Pryzstal.
He said: “I’ve always enjoyed the concept of Strictly Come Dancing, it wasn’t something I ever thought I’d do. After addressing my own ideas and beliefs, I am very much looking forward to expressing myself through dance with no limitations. Strictly brings joy to everyone’s living rooms, being a part of that for Christmas Day will be special.”
Completing the line-up is founding member of the Sugababes, Keisha Buchanan, who will take to the floor with Gorka Marquez.
Speaking of her excitement, Keisha said: "I am so excited to be taking part, and over Christmas too, my favourite time of the year! I am looking forward to learning some new moves and embracing the dancefloor!”
When is the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special on?
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day.
Take a look at some of the celebrities that have turned down Strictly Come Dancing:
Michelle Keegan
Despite bosses being eager to get Michelle Keegan on the show, the former Coronation Street actress had to turn down the proposition due to her ITV contract at the time.
She's since revealed she's been asked a number of times to appear, but she's always turned it down because she's too 'nervous' with the live audience.
However, she was in the audience when her husband Mark Wright appeared in 2014.
Noel Gallagher
Noel Gallagher was approached by bosses not long after Oasis split. However, much to EVERYBODY'S disappointment, the singer turned them down.
Jodie Comer
Killing Eve actress Jodie Comer was reportedly asked to sign up for the show in 2018, but the Liverpudlian said she didn't want to 'embarrass' herself!
Fast-forward to 2020 and Jodie was also favourite to appear, but that didn't happen either!
Louis Walsh
After being axed from The X Factor by Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh was offered a slot on Strictly. He said in an interview at the time, "The day before the call from The X Factor, I got a call to be a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. I thought, 'I'd love to do it, just to annoy Simon'."
Piers Morgan
There's no doubt that controversial TV host Piers Morgan would get people talking on the show. But he's previously turned it down saying, "They've offered me vast sums of money to go and humiliate myself on national TV. But I prefer to do it with a bottle of Jack Daniel's in the privacy of my own home."
Mel C
Former Spice Girls singer Mel C reportedly turned down an offer for Strictly due to the 's--t pay'. She said, "The problem is if you do Strictly it's so high profile and you'll find yourself in the news every day. And the money's s---."
Nadiya Hussain
She's the Queen of Bake-Off, but star baker Nadiya Hussain turned down a spot on the 2018 series after admitting she likes to enjoy the show with her family.
Sir Patrick Stewart
Actor Sir Patrick Stewart admitted he would have taken part in the show in the early years, but not so much now.
David Harewood
Homeland actor David Harewood turned down the show in 2013, the reason... because he didn't fancy wearing spandex!
Maya Jama
The Circle host Maya Jama was a firm-favourite to appear on the 2018 series of Strictly. However, Maya turned it down after admitting "now isn't the right time".
Pippa Middleton
After stealing the show at her sister Kate Middleton's wedding to Prince William, Strictly bosses were keen to sign up Pippa, even offering her a five-figure sum.
Bradley Wiggins
Olympic legend Bradley wiggins is used to wearing tight-fitting clothing for his sport, but the cyclist didn't seem keen on sparkly lycra!
Mel Giedroyc
Former host of The Great British Bake-Off Mel Giedroyc is such a big fan of Strictly, she admitted she didn't want to 'spoil it' by taking part.
Alan Titchmarsh
Popular TV personality Alan Titchmarsh has turned down the show a number of times, adding, "I'd rather be either interviewing someone or teaching people how to grow things or whatever".
Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill
After her amazing success for Team GB at the Olympics, Strictly bosses were keen to get Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill on the show.
However, she turned it down, adding, "I've been asked to do it a few times and I love watching it, but I'm not sure. I would be terrible. I'm not ready for Strictly. I'll stick to my cycle and a bit of running here and there, I think."
Noel Edmonds
Former Deal or no Deal host Noel Edmonds turned down a slot on the show due to the famous 'Strictly curse'.
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