Strictly Christmas special couples announced in festive extravaganza

Real-life couples who met on Strictly Come Dancing will be returning to dance together on the show in this year's Christmas special.

Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell, who found love on the BBC show last year, will be waltzing together once again.

Meanwhile Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez, who now have a daughter together, will also join each other on the dance floor.

In December, the much-loved special will be returning once again as six former Strictly stars make a comeback.

Here are the other couples who will be dancing together in the long-awaited special...

(Instagram)

Holby City actress Chizzy Akudolu, 46, will be dancing with Italian dancer Graziano Di Prima, 25.

BBC Radio star Debbie McGee, 61, will be dancing with pro dancer Kevin Clifton, 37.

Chizzy Akudolu is going to be dancing again (BBC)

Former Towie star Mark Wright, 32, will be dancing with Janette Manrara.

While Good Morning Britain's Richard Arnold, 49, will be dancing with Luba Mushtuk.

Debbie McGee and Giovanni Pernice in 2017 (BBC)

Head judge Shirley Ballas will be back, joining Motsi Mabuse on her first Christmas special alongside fellow judges Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood.

*Strictly Come Dancing special will air on BBC One on Christmas Day.