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'Strictly Come Dancing' Christmas Special Unveils Celebrity Contestants

Can you believe it's almost that time again?!
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By 

Entertainment Editor, HuffPost UK

The celebrities taking part in this year’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Christmas special have been confirmed. 

Six former contestants will be taking to the floor for the festive extravaganza, which will air on BBC One on Christmas Day. 

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Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will host the 'Strictly' Christmas special
BBC

Olympian and presenter Denise Lewis, who competed in series two of the BBC ballroom competition will be returning alongside series 12 finalist and former Saturdays singer Frankie Bridge, and writer Pamela Stephenson from series eight.

The gents also taking part are celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott, who competed in last year’s series and series five contestant and former ‘Blue Peter’ presenter Gethin Jones. 

In an unusual move, one of this year’s eliminated contestants will also be returning, as Melvin Odoom will be participating, having been the first celebrity to be voted off the current series. 

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Frakie Bridge is returning for the special
BBC

Each contestant will perform an enchanting routine with a yet-to-be-announced professional dancer, in a bid to be crowned Christmas champions. 

The festive special will also mark the final appearance of Head Judge Len Goodman, who announced he will be bowing out at the end of the year. 

For the second year running, it will be hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, as Bruce Forsyth is currently too unwell to return to present. 

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We can't wait to see Ainsley's moves again
BBC

When he left the show in 2014, he agreed to still front the annual Children In Need and Christmas specials, but he is still recovering from surgery to two life-threatening aneurysms last winter. 

His wife Wilnelia Forsyth offered an update on his health in the latest issue of You magazine, revealing he is still struggling to move after his operation.

“He’s the man I fell in love with because his brain is still there,” she said. “He has a bit of a problem moving but we still laugh and talk.

“I pray, I believe. The main thing is that he’s doing well. The pain is more emotional; sometimes we cry, but mostly we laugh.”

15 Dream 'Strictly Come Dancing' Celebs
Danny Dyer(01 of15)
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Seeing Danny Dyer taking his trotters for a Jack Plance is exactly what TV was made for, and whilst it might seem unlikely he'd ever sign up, don't forget he once said he'd "never" do 'EastEnders'... (credit:Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick)
Nigella Lawson(02 of15)
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Nigella loves anything decadent and extra, and with 'Strictly' being the most decadent and extra show on TV, quite why she hasn't signed up yet is a mystery to us. (credit:Lou Rocco via Getty Images)
Courtney Act / Shane Janek(03 of15)
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Bosses may not be keen on casting former reality TV stars, but they should probably make an exception for 'Drag Race' alum and 'Celebrity Big Brother' winner Courtney, who would bring some drag queen glam to the often binary world of ballroom. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Idris Elba(04 of15)
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He may be busy having a huge Hollywood career, but wouldn't it be great to see Idris back on home turf? Plus, just look at how smooth he'd look in ballroom top and tails. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Stacey Solomon(05 of15)
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When it was teased one of the 2018 contestants would be revealed on 'Loose Women', many fans predicted it would be panellist Stacey Solomon getting her dancing shoes on. And as much as we're excited to see Lee, Stacey would have been a brilliant booking. (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)
Richard Madeley(06 of15)
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Just imagine Richard and Craig Revel Horwood clashing. TV gold. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Gemma Collins(07 of15)
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The 'TOWIE' star was holding out for a spot on the 2018 line-up by way of compensation from the BBC, following *that* on-stage fall at the Radio 1 Teen Awards. And while bosses probably didn't want to give in to her diva demands, just think of all the meme-able content she would have served up. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Nadiya Hussain(08 of15)
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Snapping up the most popular winner of what was once the BBC's most popular show is a no brainer, right? (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Michelle Keegan(09 of15)
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The former 'Corrie' star has been tipped for 'Strictly' every year in recent memory, so we'd like her finally do it, even if it's just so we never have to hear a "Michelle Keegan for 'Strictly'" rumour again. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Rio Ferdinand(10 of15)
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Every series needs a sportsman, and what better man than former England captain and all-round good guy Rio Ferdinand? Given all that footwork on the pitch, we reckon he'd probably have the moves on the dancefloor too. (credit:Pierre Suu via Getty Images)
Beverley Callard(11 of15)
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From the look of this picture, the wardrobe department wouldn't even have to make any outfits for Bev - she'd be able to bring in her own frocks. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Greg James(12 of15)
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Having taken over as the host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, Greg has just earned a whole new following. And what better way to capitalise on that than by doing 'Strictly'? (credit:Neil Mockford via Getty Images)
Alan Carr(13 of15)
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Far be from us to suggest Alan would not be the most talented of dancers, but he'd be guaranteed to bring the laughs. (credit:Tim P. Whitby via Getty Images)
Sara Cox(14 of15)
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The Radio 2 DJ was robbed of a full run as a contestant when she took part in the 2013 Christmas special, if you ask us. (credit:Ian West - PA Images via Getty Images)
Paddy McGuinness(15 of15)
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Let the dance see the floor! (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
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