Former Westlife singer Brian McFadden has been announced as the sixth and final celebrity contestant for this year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special. The 45-year-old will partner with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas in the festive edition of the beloved BBC competition.
A Household Fan Joins the Dance Floor
The official confirmation came during Wednesday's episode of Strictly's companion show, It Takes Two, presented by Janette Manrara. Speaking about his participation, McFadden revealed his excitement stems from his four-year-old daughter Ruby's obsession with the program.
'I'm delighted to be a part of the Strictly Christmas special,' McFadden stated. 'We are big fans of Strictly in our house so to be dancing on Christmas Day on such a magical show will make it a Christmas to remember.'
He elaborated on his daughter's influence, explaining that Ruby's daily routine involves rewatching the weekend episodes. The singer admitted his initial disbelief upon receiving the invitation, saying his entire household is thrilled about his participation.
Facing the Festive Competition
McFadden joins a star-studded lineup competing for the coveted festive glitterball trophy. The other celebrities confirmed for the special are:
- Comedian Babatúndé Aleshe
- EastEnders actor Nicholas Bailey
- All Saints singer Melanie Blatt
- Television personality Scarlett Moffatt
- Gladiator star Jodie Ounsley
The Irish musician acknowledged the tough competition he faces, particularly noting Scarlett Moffatt's rumoured dancing prowess. However, he expressed particular pleasure at reconnecting with fellow 90s pop star Melanie Blatt during rehearsals, having not seen her since their chart-topping days.
From Boyband Fame to the Ballroom
McFadden first found fame as a member of the phenomenally successful boyband Westlife, which he shockingly left in 2004 at the peak of their popularity. The group continued as a quartet with Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Markus Feehily, and Kian Egan, and still performs today.
Following his departure, McFadden launched a solo career, releasing his debut album Irish Son in November 2004, which featured the number one single 'Real To Me'. He has since released four more solo albums, the most recent being 2019's Otis.
In a 2013 interview, McFadden reflected that while he had no regrets about leaving Westlife, he acknowledged financial regrets about missing out on the band's continued success. 'I'd never admit to myself that I regretted leaving,' he told the Daily Mail, 'but four years later when my UK record label didn't want to put out my second solo album, it made me think maybe I should have just stayed in the band.'
More recently, McFadden teamed up with former Boyzone star Keith Duffy to form the duo Boyzlife. They released their debut album Strings Attached in 2020 and are currently on a global tour scheduled to conclude in Dublin on April 3, 2025.
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will film on December 9 and air on BBC One on Christmas Day. The show will feature the final appearances of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman together, following the announcement they are leaving after 14 years. Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke will all return to critique the festive performances.
