Strictly Come Dancing has started to unveil the stars taking part in this year’s Christmas special, which this year will see a whole new set of celebrities taking to the floor instead of former contestants.
Podcaster Rosie Ramsey and Radio 1 DJ Rickie Haywood-Williams have been officially announced as the first celebs for the BBC ballroom show’s annual festive special.
Rosie is following in the footsteps of her husband, comedian Chris Ramsey, who took part in the 2019 series.
It has also been confirmed that Rosie will be paired with professional dancer Neil Jones.
Rosie, who hosts the Shagged. Married. Annoyed podcast and the BBC’s The Chris & Rosie Ramsey Show with husband Chris, said: “I am thrilled to be dancing in this year’s Strictly Christmas special! After watching my husband Chris compete a few years ago, I’ve been desperate to get on that dance floor myself!
“I also absolutely LOVE Christmas, and my partner Neil is lovely, so this is just perfect. Best. Christmas. Ever!”
It's time to unwrap our first Christmas Special celeb! Welcome fab-yule-lous presenter and podcaster Rosie Ramsey to #Strictly ?? pic.twitter.com/pVD1MnSu2R
— BBC Strictly(@bbcstrictly) November 30, 2022
Rickie, who will be paired with Luba Mushtuk, said: “I have watched Strictly over the years and always said I’d be too scared to do it. But here I am ready to go for it, sequins n’ all.”
The Ballroom is calling for @BBCR1 and TV presenter Rickie Haywood-Williams this Christmas ? #Strictly@RickieHWpic.twitter.com/TlI5L0I2zO
— BBC Strictly
Four more celebrities are set to be announced for the Strictly Christmas special, which will air on Christmas Day on BBC One.
It is a departure from the more recent Christmas specials, which have seen former contestants from the show return to the ballroom to compete to become festive champion.
Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas will return to preside over the couples’ Yuletide routines.
Meanwhile, the current series of Strictly Come Dancing continues on Friday night as the six remaining couples take part in the Musicals Week special in the hope of reaching next week’s semi-final.
