Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special cast in full and start time confirmed

The festive season is set to sparkle with the announcement of the full celebrity line-up for Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas special. The news comes hot on the heels of blind comedian Chris McCausland's emotional victory in Strictly Come Dancing 2024, alongside his professional partner Dianne Buswell.

While fans may be sad that the competition is over for another year, they can look forward to a dose of Strictly magic this Christmas as the special episode makes its way to our screens.

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, at 3.55pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The hour and 15-minute spectacular will precede Doctor Who, but who are the six celebrities braving the glittering challenge this year?

The Strictly Christmas line-up

Vogue Williams

Among the cast is presenter, DJ and podcaster Vogue Williams, who will be partnered with professional dancer Carlos Gu. Known for her fashion and red carpet segments on ITV's Lorraine, and as the wife of former Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews, Vogue humorously suggested that Carlos would "have more of a chance of winning a Nobel prize" than transforming her into a skilled dancer. However, all could change on the night.

Josh Widdicombe

Josh Widdicombe, famed for his roles on Channel 4's The Last Leg and the BBC series Josh, is a familiar face in the comedy circuit, having featured on shows such as Have I Got News For You, QI, and A League Of Their Own.

At the age of 41, the stand-up comic and actor, who has confessed to being "utterly terrified", will join forces with professional dancer Karen Hauer for the special Christmas episode of Strictly Come Dancing.

Tayce

Tayce will become Strictly's first-ever drag queen to take to the dance floor.

After winning runner-up RuPaul's Drag Race UK's second season, Tayce has showcased modelling skills for fashion icon Jean Paul Gaultier, featured as a presenter on platforms including MTV, Sky, and BBC Radio One, and launched a rap single entitled 'Swagzilla'.

Teaming up with Kai Widdrington for Strictly, Tayce said: "I cannot wait to sleigh on the Strictly Ballroom floor. My partner and I are going to dance for our lives!"

Tamzin Outhwaite

Recognised for her portrayal of Mel Owen on EastEnders and DCI Sasha Miller on BBC's New Tricks, Tamzin Outhwaite has an acting portfolio which most recently includes an appearance in Channel 5's mystery drama The Wives, starring alongside Jo Joyner and Angela Griffin.

Tamzin, who is 54, conveyed her eagerness to exchange acting for dancing, stating she's "excited to swap the stage for the Strictly ballroom". She is set to hit the dance floor with Nikita Kuzmin.

Billy Monger

Partnered with Nadiya Bychkova, a seasoned Strictly professional, racer and presenter Billy Monger has not only achieved podium finishes in British Formula 3 but has also taken victory at the prestigious Pau Grand Prix in the European Formula 3 championship.

Billy, who was involved in a devastating Formula 4 crash that resulted in the loss of both legs, continues to fight for inclusivity in the sport by rallying for disabled and non-disabled drivers to participate side by side.

In a lighthearted remark, he confessed that the prospect of dancing "in front of Craig Revel Horwood fills me with fear I've never experienced before".

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, popularly known as Nitro, has gained fame through his participation in the BBC's reboot of Gladiators and his recent appearance on Celebrity Masterchef.

The 36 year old athlete has been paired with Nancy Xu and has an illustrious background, boasting Team GB, Commonwealth, and World gold medals in sprinting. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the first athlete to secure gold medals in both the 100 and 200 metres events at the World Youth Championships.

At the age of 17, Harry received the 2005 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award.

Commenting on his upcoming debut in Strictly Come Dancing, Harry expressed his enthusiasm: "I'm swapping my trainers for dancing shoes, and trust me, I'm bringing the power, the energy and the moves! This December I'm gonna light up that dance floor and crank the Christmas spirit all the way up. Let's do this!"

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will be broadcast on Christmas Day at 3.55 pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.