JINGLE bells, jingle bells, Strictly all the way... As if Christmas was not sparkly enough, add even more glitter and glamour with the all-star Strictly Come Dancing festive special.
Six famous faces from recent series are back in the ballroom for the one-off show on Christmas Day, which will also include fearsome foursome Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Dame Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli behind the judges’ desk.
Countryfile presenter Anita Rani, who made it to the semi-final in 2015 with Gleb Savchenko, and Ann Widdecombe, who will always be remembered for that samba, in which she was left languishing on the dancefloor like a stricken canary, reveal what they are most looking forward to.
ANITA RANI
What made you want to return to the dancefloor this year?
I loved learning to dance the first time round and couldn’t give up the opportunity to have another go.
Have you carried on dancing since you left the competition? What’s your dancing like now?
I’ve not had a chance to keep dancing. Life has been non-stop since Strictly.
In the series, you were partnered with Gleb, and now you are with Neil Jones. What’s it like to train with a new dance partner?
Neil is a great partner and teacher. He’s patient, kind and good fun.
Who’s your biggest competition?
Everyone! I’m not seeing it as a competition. I just want to do myself, Neil and the dance justice and enjoy every second of it.
How much training have you been able to do?
Hardly any. Eek! My filming schedule has been jam-packed.
What will you be doing on Christmas Day?
I will be at my brother’s house, cuddling my new baby niece and watching Strictly.
What does Christmas mean to you?
A rest and quality time with people I love.
ANN WIDDECOMBE
What made you want to return to the dancefloor this year?
Well, I was asked, and it’s always great fun on Strictly so I thought, ‘Why not?’
Have you carried on dancing since you left the competition? What’s your dancing like now?
I never was dancing! Anton called it many things, but he never called it dancing.
What’s it like being back with Anton?
It is great fun. I don’t think I would have been that happy if they’d given me anyone else. It’s the pairing the public remember and it’s the pairing they want to see.
Who’s your biggest competition?
I have absolutely no idea. I don’t think I’m regarding it as a competition; I’m just regarding it as Christmas fun. It’s Christmas light-heartedness and entertainment.
How much training have you been able to do?
We’ve only done a couple of days but remember, I don’t train in intricate dance steps. We were working out comedy and fun.
Name your three dream Strictly Christmas dinner guests …
Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke and Bruce Forsyth.
What will you be doing on Christmas Day?
I’m in pantomime so I won’t be home. I will probably go for a very long walk and then have a lunch of cheeses and meats.
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas is the dawn of redemption.
- READ MORE: Christmas TV special – Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson on the BBC adaptation of her children's book Zog
- READ MORE: Christmas TV special – Miles Jupp on BBC's Watership Down
Strictly is on BBC1, Christmas Day, 5.30pm
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