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Season’s greetings, hoofing fans. Michael here – I hope you’re all enjoying some comfort, joy and purple ones from the Quality Street. You might just be weeping into the tin soon, because the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special promises to be a tinsel-adorned tearjerker.
Yes, today’s edition is one for the history books: it’s the last time ever that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman present the BBC ballroom blockbuster before new hosts take over in 2026. After 21 years beneath the gliiterball for Tess and nearly as long for Claud, it’s truly the end of a twinkle-toed era.
It’s a mere five days since ex-Lioness Karen Carney and her professional partner Carlos Gu emerged joyful and triumphant in an emotional grand final. Now get ready for a sleigh-ride back to the Elstree Studios dancefloor. The fab-u-lous festive edition airs at 5.30pm today on BBC One. There’s no liveblog but we’ve opened the comments below so you can discuss the routines, raise your snowman-shaped scoring paddles and spread some sequin-spangled cheer.
Six celebrities will battle it out to be crowned festive champion. Ex-Goggleboxer Scarlett Moffatt, Westlife’s Brian McFadden, Melanie Blatt from All Saints, comedian Babátúndé Aléshé, EastEnders actor Nicholas Bailey (AKA Dr Anthony Trueman) and former rugby player Jodie Ounsley (AKA Fury from Gladiators) are paired with Strictly professionals to dance to seasonal tunes. Sadly no Wham! nor Slade but it’s a pleasingly eclectic playlist, from Andy Williams to Bing Crosby, The Andrews Sisters and Cher. Who said Christmas was camp?
The judges will mark the half-dozen routines – scoring is traditionally on the generous side at this time of the year, so expect more 10s than a misprinted Advent calendar – and their totals will be combined with studio audience votes to decide the destination of the Strictly Star trophy.
Most intriguingly, this bittersweet swansong will see send-off surprises sprung on our departing duo. Tess will receive a Christmas present from the judges (no spoilers but it involves a certain Aljaž Škorjanec), while Claud answers the door to a welcome wintry guest. It all helps our hosts go out on a well-deserved high.
Which dancing will be delightful? Whose footwork will be frightful? And who’ll be the star on top of the Strictly tree? Enjoy the ho-ho-hoofing and happy holidays one and all. Hopefully see you back on our regular liveblog for the new-look show in 2026. And in the meantime, keeeeep Christmas dancing!
