Nineties music sensation Melanie Blatt has been officially announced as the second celebrity contestant for the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. The All Saints singer will be trading chart-topping hits for ballroom beats in the festive edition of the beloved BBC show.
From Never Ever to the Dance Floor
Melanie Blatt, best known as a member of the iconic girl group All Saints, which delivered massive 90s hits like 'Never Ever', shared the exciting news on her Instagram. She posted a clip to her stories showing herself in a rehearsal room, wearing a casual white T-shirt and grey exercise trousers. In the video, she walked up to a mirror, grinned, and waved at her phone camera, with the text "It's happening" overlaid on the video.
The announcement was met with immediate excitement from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Television presenter Zoe Ball commented "YES MEL", while reality TV star Ferne McCann wrote, "Ahhhhhhh yay go @melanieblatt". Supportive fans also flooded the comments, with one writing, "Oooh soo excited for Melanie" and another adding, "So proud of you!".
The Festive Line-Up Takes Shape
Melanie is the second celebrity to be confirmed for the Strictly Christmas special, following the earlier announcement that reality TV favourite Scarlett Moffatt will also be taking part. It has been revealed that the professional dancer pairings are already set.
Melanie Blatt will be partnered with Kai Widdrington, who was eliminated from the main Strictly competition earlier in November. Kai had been dancing with Geordie Shore's Vicky Pattison, and the pair were a firm fan favourite until their elimination just a week before the coveted Blackpool Tower Ballroom episode.
Meanwhile, Scarlett Moffatt is set to dance with Vito Coppola, who was also eliminated from the main series at the beginning of November. Vito had been partnered with model Ellie Goldstein prior to his exit.
Strictly's Main Series Continues Amid Challenges
The announcement of the Christmas special contestants comes as the main Strictly Come Dancing competition faces its own set of challenges. The series has seen several celebrity withdrawals, including Kristian Nairn, Dani Dyer, and Steffan Dennis, who all pulled out of the competition.
More recently, drag artist La Voix was forced to withdraw due to an ankle injury, leaving the competition without a replacement. To avoid a two-person finale, producers decided that Blackpool Week would not feature an elimination, meaning all remaining contestants from that week would progress.
There has also been concern for current frontrunner Alex Kingston, after her daughter revealed the actress had been performing at Blackpool with a rib injury. Some fans have speculated about the possibility of previously eliminated couples returning if more contestants withdraw, though Kai Widdrington's involvement in the Christmas special may make his return with Vicky Pattison unlikely.
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special promises to bring festive cheer to viewers this holiday season with its lineup of celebrity contestants ready to dazzle on the dancefloor.
