The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will return on Christmas Day with judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas. Six new celebrity contestants will compete to be crowned Christmas Champion 2023, performing festive routines in front of the voting studio audience. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will host the programme on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 4.40pm on 25 December.
The judges have revealed their seasonal preferences, expressing delight at the festivity, decorations and Christmas costumes. One judge mentioned their own Christmas single, while another confessed to a love of multiple Christmas trees, with different trees in different rooms adorned with themed colours.
Reflecting on favourite Christmas outfits, a judge recalled wearing a spinning snowflake costume, while another remembered dancing with Ann Widdecombe in frocks. Past routines were also highlighted, including Larry Lamb's American Smooth with Nadiya and George Webster and Amy Dowden's Charleston, which one judge called unforgettable.
Christmas wishes were similarly varied. One judge asked for peace on Earth, noting they already had a bike, while another joked about winning the lottery before expressing a hope for a long and happy life. Preferences for snow or sunshine emerged, with one judge fondly recalling Christmases in Australia.
The judges expressed excitement about the special, describing it as uplifting and a treat for families. One called it their favourite show of the series, while another praised the joy of seeing new celebrities take to the ballroom and the remarkable experience of hearing Bruno sing.
