The full celebrity roster for this year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special has been finalised with the exciting addition of former Westlife star Brian McFadden.
The Final Reveal
During Wednesday evening's broadcast of Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two, presenter Janette Manrara made the official announcement that Brian McFadden completes the six-person festive line-up. The 45-year-old singer, who previously showcased his dancing skills on Dancing on Ice, is already deep in rehearsals for the special episode while his former Westlife bandmates continue their tour without him.
McFadden's participation had been subject to speculation in recent weeks, but the confirmation came as welcome news to Strictly fans anticipating the Christmas edition of the beloved BBC competition. His commitment to rehearsals means he's missing Westlife's current tour, marking another chapter in his post-boyband career that began when he shockingly left the group in 2004 at the peak of their success.
Meet The Full Festive Cast
McFadden joins an already impressive roster of celebrities ready to sparkle on the Christmas dance floor. The complete line-up features:
Scarlett Moffatt, the 35-year-old Gogglebox legend and I'm A Celebrity winner, who will be dancing with professional Vito Coppola. She expressed her excitement about participating in what she calls "the show that brings everyone together around the TV."
Melanie Blatt, the 50-year-old All Saints singer who has recently been working as a chef. She's been partnered with Kai Widdrington and shared her enthusiasm on social media with a rehearsal room video captioned "It's happening."
Nicholas Bailey, the 54-year-old EastEnders actor famous for playing Anthony Trueman, who will be dancing with Luba Mushtuk as he trades Albert Square for the ballroom.
Jodie Ounsley, the 24-year-old rugby player better known as Fury from Gladiators, who has been paired with Neil Jones. She described herself as "absolutely buzzing" to become the first female rugby player on the show.
Babatunde Aléshé, the 39-year-old comedian and actor familiar to viewers from Taskmaster and Celebrity Gogglebox, who will be dancing with Nancy Xu. He's hinted at some previous dance experience from his college days, mentioning "Street Locking and Break Dancing" before comedy took over his career.
Brian's Journey Since Westlife
Since his departure from Westlife two decades ago, McFadden has navigated a varied career path that includes solo music projects, television and radio presenting work in both Australia and Ireland, and his current musical venture Boyzlife with Boyzone's Keith Duffy.
His personal life has also seen significant changes since his Westlife days. His marriage to Kerry Katona, with whom he shares daughters Molly (24) and Lilly-Sue (22), ended in 2006. He later married Irish broadcaster Vogue Williams, though that relationship concluded in 2017. More recently, he found happiness with Danielle Parkinson, whom he describes as his 'soulmate' and married earlier this year. The couple share a four-year-old daughter named Ruby Jean.
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special promises to deliver festive cheer with this diverse group of celebrities, each bringing their unique backgrounds and personalities to the iconic dance floor.
