Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025: A Festive Celebration With Stars, Sparkle and Seasoned Moves
There’s something undeniably magical about watching Strictly Come Dancing on Christmas Day. It’s become a festive tradition for families across the UK: sequins sparkle brighter, routines feel extra joyful, and even the judges seem to embrace the holiday spirit. This year’s Strictly Christmas Special promises all of that and more, with a star-studded line-up, touching moments, and a real sense of celebration as the iconic show bids farewell to beloved hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
What Makes the Christmas Special So Special?
Strictly’s Christmas special isn’t just another episode. It’s a one-off festive showcase where celebrities, many of them unfamiliar with ballroom and Latin dance, throw themselves into routines choreographed by the show’s professional dancers. It’s less about competition pressure and more about fun, heart, and holiday spirit — often with plenty of sequins, big smiles and memorable performances.
This year’s special is extra poignant because it marks the final time Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will appear together as hosts. After years of guiding celebrities and contestants through the highs and lows of the dancefloor, the duo will share one last Strictly Christmas moment with the nation, blending elegance, emotion and genuine celebration.
A Festive Line-Up That’s Ready to Twirl
The 2025 Christmas Special features a lively blend of personalities from the worlds of music, television and sport, each paired with Strictly’s professional dancers to bring festive flair to the ballroom.
Scarlett Moffatt — the Gogglebox star whose dancing roots run deep — returns to the floor with professional dancer Vito Coppola. For Scarlett, the experience is more than just a showpiece; it’s a dream come true that rekindles her love of dance from childhood and gives her a joyous Christmas Day memory.
All Saints singer Melanie Blatt will bring her stage presence to life with partner Kai Widdrington, promising glamour and rhythm in equal measure. EastEnders favourite Nicholas Bailey pairs with Luba Mushtuk, ready to combine acting charisma with dancefloor determination.
Comedian and actor Babatunde Aléshé teams up with Nancy Xu, blending laughter and Latin moves, and Westlife’s Brian McFadden takes on the festive challenge with Michelle Tsiakkas, bringing his music star confidence to the dancefloor. First-time Strictly Christmas Special dancer Jodie Ounsley, famed for her sporting achievements and vibrant personality, will dazzle with professional Neil Jones.
All of these performers bring their own flavour to the special, and they’ll be judged by the familiar Strictly panel of Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke. While the judges will score each routine, the final decision will rest with the studio audience, adding an extra layer of fun and unpredictability.
Tess and Claudia’s Festive Farewell
Tess and Claudia have been fixtures on Strictly for years, bringing warmth, wit and effortless chemistry to every episode. Their final joint hosting appearance in this Christmas Special makes it a must-watch moment. In one highlight, Tess steps onto the dancefloor herself for an Argentine tango with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, a special gift from the judges that feels both emotional and celebratory.
Claudia also gets her moment in a playful tribute to the beloved Christmas film Love Actually, recreating a classic scene with Dave Arch and bringing an extra dose of festive nostalgia to the show. These moments remind viewers of how much the hosts have meant to the Strictly community and why their dynamic has become such a beloved part of the series.
A Holiday Tradition With Heart
The Strictly Christmas Special isn’t just entertainment. It’s become a festive ritual that brings families together, whether they’re die-hard fans of the show or just tuning in for a joyful holiday experience. The mixture of familiar faces, festive costumes and uplifting routines sets the perfect tone for Christmas Day, and this year’s edition adds heartfelt goodbyes and unforgettable dance moments.
Each performance feels like a celebration of movement, creativity and togetherness — key ingredients in every classic Christmas tradition.
When and Where to Watch
This year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 5.30pm on Christmas Day. It offers something for everyone: feel-good energy, glittering costumes, and moments that might just make you laugh, smile or reach for the tissues.
For fans of the show, it’s a chance to enjoy one last festive dance with Tess and Claudia. And for everyone else, it’s the perfect way to bring a little sparkle into your Christmas celebrations.
