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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Why is there no Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special this year?

Strictly Come Dancing fans usually look forward to a fun-filled Christmas special.

The regular series only finished last week but the BBC dance competition is usually back on Christmas Day.

But this year, things are a little different and the regular Strictly special was replaced by something new.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the traditional Strictly Christmas special -  in which previous contestants return to perform a festive-themed number - has had to be replaced.

This year's series was filmed under strict conditions, with regular testing of contestants and their pro partners, who formed an exclusive bubble with each other for the duration of the show.

Presumably it hasn't been feasible to reunite previous couples in the same way for a one-off special.

There's usually lots of festive fun on the Christmas special (BBC)

Strictly: The Christmas Countdown instead took viewers through 16 years of the hit show and will reveal some of the most iconic performances of all time.

It aired on BBC One at 4.45pm on Christmas Day (December 25).

Strictly hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman led us through the episode with the help of the judges, the professional dancers and Strictly alumni.

There was a brand new group dance from the Strictly professionals "to bring some much needed sparkle to our screens," the BBC teased.

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