Strictly Come Dancing Adds Coronation Street's Alexandra Mardell To Christmas Special Line-Up

"My mum always said she’d love to see me on the show so this really is the best Christmas present I could give her."
Strictly hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly
Strictly hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly
Guy Levy/BBC via PA Media

Coronation Street actor Alexandra Mardell has become the third celebrity to be unveiled for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.

On Thursday morning, the BBC confirmed that Alexandra will be dancing with Kai Widdrington in the one-off festive episode.

She said: “I’ve grown up with Strictly Come Dancing, and my mum always said she’d love to see me on the show so this really is the best Christmas present I could give her.

“I can’t wait to get into the training room and see what festive moves I can bring to the table!”

Taking the trip from Weatherfield to Elstree for our Christmas Special, it's Corrie star Alexandra Mardell 🤩 #Strictly@asmardell27 pic.twitter.com/fs0nv19ISW

— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 1, 2022

Alexandra joined Corrie in 2018 as Emma Brooker, the estranged daughter of Weatherfield staple Steve McDonald.

Since then, the character has been involved in a number of big storylines, earning Alexandra an NTA nomination and a Best Newcomer win at the British Soap Awards.

Alexandra at the British Soap Awards in 2019
Alexandra at the British Soap Awards in 2019
Ian Gavan via Getty Images

Earlier this week, podcast presenter Rosie Ramsey became the first celebrity confirmed for the special, with Neil Jones set to be her professional partner.

Following this, it was revealed that Rickie Haywood-Williams would also be hitting the floor with Luba Mushtuk.

Meanwhile, it was previously reported that former Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli would be returning to the ballroom for the Christmas special – but he won’t be taking his old place on the panel.

Instead, he’ll be performing a festive number, which already sounds like a sure-fire festive showstopper.

Bruno Tonioli
Bruno Tonioli
Dave J Hogan via Getty Images

Before all that, though, the current series of Strictly has to crown its winner, with six couples remaining in the competition ahead of this year’s Musicals Week special.

Because of the World Cup, the broadcast has been moved a day earlier than usual, with the live show being shown on Friday night on BBC One, and the pre-recorded results show airing on Saturday.

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