Sugababes legend Keisha Buchanan is the latest star confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing’s Christmas special.
The Push the Button singer, 39, was announced alongside Rugby union player Danny Cipriani and actress Tillie Amartey as the final trio of the BBC festive spectacular.
On Thursday’s episode of the Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two, it was confirmed they would join broadcaster Dan Snow, BBC Breakfast star Sally Nugent and EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick to complete the line-up.
Keisha will team up with Gorka Marquez for the all-star event and said she was ‘looking forward to learning some new moves and embracing the dancefloor.’
Former England international Danny, 36, has been paired with Jowita Przystal when he swaps his boots for dance shoes.
He said: ‘I’ve always enjoyed the concept of Strictly Come Dancing, it wasn’t something I ever thought I’d do.
‘After addressing my own ideas and beliefs, I am very much looking forward to expressing myself through dance with no limitations.’
Tillie, who has presented a number of children’s shows and has starred in thriller series Teacher and will join the cast of Waterloo Road next year, will be taking to the dancefloor alongside professional dancer Neil Jones.
BBC’s Sally, 52, previously announced on Instagram alongside some snaps of herself and partner Graziano Di Prima during training, writing: ‘I was in need of a little pick me up when the lovely people at Strictly called.
‘They kindly suggested I might like to learn to dance with @grazianodiprima in time for Christmas.
‘I am definitely not a dancer – but I will try my best. And there is no one better to learn with.
‘Join us on our Christmas adventure and I guarantee that we will all have fun along the way. Ciao 👋’
Sally’s former co-star Dan Walker, who appeared on Strictly in 2021, shared his support and commented: ‘GO ON SAL & GRAZ.’
Owain Wyn Evans added: ‘Omg Sal this is so good! Cannot wait to see it! 🪩 xxxx.’
Announcing the news, Sally had earlier shared: ‘I am thrilled and slightly terrified to be taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.
‘I’m hoping the judges will be kind – and filled with Christmas spirit. And I hope everyone watching at home will enjoy a little bit of Strictly magic on Christmas night.’
History broadcaster, best-selling author and entrepreneur Dan, who spent 15 years working for the BBC, said: ‘I am absolutely terrified about hitting the dance floor. But I love getting out of my comfort zone and I’ve always wanted to learn how to dance properly. So I thought it was now or never!’
He’ll be partnered with Nadia Bychkova while Jay Brown actor Jamie will be taking to the floor with Nancy Xu.
He said: ‘I am so excited to be joining the cast of this years’ Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.
‘From Walford to a Waltz, I can’t wait to learn a new skill and put my dancing to the test.
‘I’m hoping to spread Christmas cheer and have a good laugh with my professional dancer…get me on that dancefloor!’
The all-star event will return to BBC One this year, with the six brand new celebrity contestants vying to be crowned Christmas Champion 2023.
Each of the six couples will perform a festive fuelled routine with the hope of impressing the judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, Head Judge Shirley Ballas, and the voting studio audience.
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day.
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