TV News: Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special line-up confirmed

BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing: Christmas Special returns once again to light up a magical Christmas Day, as six new celebrities take part in a festive edition of the nation’s much-loved show. Tonight it was confirmed officially who the celebrities taking part will be.

This year the ladies learning to trip the light fantastic, just in time for Christmas, are: star of The Saturdays Rochelle Humes, West End singing sensation Elaine Paige, and radio DJ Sara Cox.

The gentlemen set to do battle of the ballroom alongside them are: singer Matt Goss, EastEnders’ actor Ricky Norwood and comedian and West End performer Rufus Hound.

With a stunning winter wonderland opening number filmed at LaplandUK, Sir Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly once again preside over the merry proceedings, and judges Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood will be on hand to dish out some Christmas cheer and scores.

All six celebrities are huge fans of Strictly, and two have even dipped their toe in the world of BBC dance shows before, all in the name of charity. Rochelle took part in Strictly Come Dancing for Children in Need in 2010 up against Harry Judd, before he went on to become Strictly champion in 2011. Rufus also wowed audiences during Let’s Dance for Comic Relief in 2010 as well, where he famously morphed into Cheryl Cole and taking on her Fight For This Love routine.

The pairings are as follows:
– Rochelle Humes / Ian Waite
– Sara Cox / Robin Windsor
– Elaine Paige / Pasha Kovalev
– Matt Goss / Aliona Vilani
– Ricky Norwood / Janette Manrara
– Rufus Hound / Flavia Cacace

All six couples will perform a special yuletide routine in a bid to be crowned 2013 Christmas champions and lift the famous silver star trophy.

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will be broadcast on Christmas Day on BBC One.