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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Rose Hill

Alesha Dixon returning to Strictly after nine years for Christmas special

Alesha Dixon is set to return to Strictly come Dancing for the first time in nine years for its Christmas special.

The former judge, 42, quit the BBC dancing show in 2012 to become a judge on rival ITV show Britain's Got Talent.

But after much persuasion from bosses, it has been reported that Alesha will make a comeback on the festive programme.

Alesha will do the commentary for the 75-minute countdown charting the most popular routines throughout Strictly's 16-year history, according to the Daily Star.

Alesha Dixon is set to return to Strictly (Getty Images)

The singer-turned-judge won Strictly in 2007 with professional partner Matthew Cutler, sparking a major TV comeback for her.

Alesha became a judge on the show two years later, which attracted criticism after she replaced Arlene Phillips.

After three years, she left Strictly to join Britain's Got Talent, which she has appeared on as a judge since.

Alesha won Strictly in 2007 (BBC)
Alesha became a judge on the show two years later (BBC)

Alesha has also presented a number of other shows including The Greatest Dancer, Your Face Sounds Familiar and Comic Relief.

She also became a judge on America's Got Talent: The Champions in 2020.

Speaking about how Strictly would always special to her, Alesha said: "Winning Strictly Come Dancing changed my life.

"It came into my life at a time where I needed a lift, I needed something positive. And it really was the tonic that I needed.

"For about five years Strictly Come Dancing was a huge part of my life. It was just a wonderful experience that I will hold dear to me for the rest of my life."

*Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas special will air on Christmas Day at 4.45pm on BBC One

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