Strictly Come Dancing is set to introduce more changes to Series 24, with reports that former celebrity contestants could return to the dancefloor for the eagerly anticipated Christmas Show. The move follows a positive reception to the special alumni dance at last year's Blackpool week.
According to insiders, producers have reflected on the response to the 2025 routine, which saw Ashley Roberts, Layton Williams, Jay McGuiness and Danny Mac revisit their iconic dances. Another reunion could take place in just a few weeks.
Returning Stars for the Festive Special
A source claimed: "Strictly love sprinkling some magic over their Christmas show, and what better way than bringing back some old favourites."
"It's been seven years since they last did this on the festive episode, and after seeing how well the alumni dance went at Blackpool last year, they're bringing it back this Christmas."
Speaking via The Sun, they added: "They're currently casting for six previous stars to return to the dancefloor." The insider teased: "Loads of names are in their sights, with Denise Van Outen, Georgia May Foote and Maisie Smith all big names who could feature on the bookers' Christmas wish lists."
Festive Format Details
"The plan would be that each of the returning celebs would perform a brand new festive-themed routine with a professional partner, as well as taking part in opening and closing group numbers."
The insider claimed: "The winner, as ever, will be handed the famous Christmas star trophy. It's going to be a mammoth show, which is going to be filmed in December before being shown on Christmas Day."
The last festive episode with this format happened in 2019, when BBC icon Debbie McGee and her professional partner Kevin Clifton were crowned the Christmas champions after dancing a Quickstep to Jingle Bells.
Backlash Over Halloween Twist
This potential shake-up comes after Strictly was inundated with backlash following a major format change during Halloween, which saw a historic triple dance-off twist on Sunday's results day. While only one pair left the contest, the judges were tasked with voting for who they wanted eliminated rather than who they wanted to save.
As host Emma Willis announced: "There is a three-way dance-off on the horizon, and your vote has never mattered more."
Among the furious reactions on social media, one fumed: "Anyone doing a shot every time they mention the three-way dance-off??" As another questioned: "I mean, what is the point of this three-person dance-off???"
A third: "It's going to be weird having three in the dance-off!" Someone else added: "I don't get what the point of a three-person dance-off is??"
