The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will be very different this year as NO former stars of the show are invited back.
Always one of the most watched programmes on TV on Christmas Day, Strictly is back on Saturday night, hot on the heels of the 2021 final which was won by Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.
In years gone by, former champions and stars of the show like Jill Halfpenny, Darren Gough, Debbie McGee, Mark Wright and Joe Sugg have all made their return to the ballroom in a bid to win the festive Glitterball trophy.
But, rather than a host of former favourites step onto the dancefloor this time round, a whole batch of new celebs will get their turn on Strictly.
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So there will be no appearances from Rose or any other of the Strictly class of 2021 or any of last year's stars and instead fans will get to see an eclctic mix of famous faces in action.
Pop star and Brit winner Anne-Marie is taking part and partnered by Graziano Di Prima, who was coupled with Judi Love this year.
Talking about being on the show, Anne-Marie said: "If it all goes wrong, I may just whack out a song quickly and hope that that gets me a few points but I'm trying hard, I'm learning so much," the former karate World Champion said.
Strictly Christmas special couples
Anne-Marie and Graziano Di Prima
Jay Blades and Luba Mushtuk
Fred Sirieix and Dianne Buswell
Mel Giedroyc and Neil Jones
Moira Stuart and Aljaz Skorjanec
Adrian Chiles and Jowita Przystal
The Strictly Christmas special will air on BBC1 on Saturday, December at 5.10pm.
The 75-minute festive special will also feature a group dance as well as a musical treat courtesy of Jamie Cullum, Gary Barlow and Sheridan Smith.
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