Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special 2024 line-up announcement made

A new star is set to make history on Strictly Come Dancing, as they've been announced for the show's Christmas special line-up. The festive edition of the BBC One dance contest will return this Christmas Day.

While the main competition continues with eight couples heading into week nine this weekend, broadcast live from the iconic Tower Ballroom in its annual Blackpool special, the stars gracing the ballroom in Strictly's very own winter wonderland are being unveiled. With weeks remaining until the big day, the hit BBC One dance show has confirmed that comedian Tayce will be showcasing her dance moves to the nation on Christmas Day.

The drag artist, model and presenter was a finalist on RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 2. Often referred to as the "Naomi Campbell of Drag", she models globally in runway fashion shows.

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She has presented on BBC Radio 1, MTV and Sky. Tayce performs her drag act worldwide and has also released her own rap single.

Speaking about signing up for Strictly's 2024 Christmas special, Tayce said: "I cannot wait to sleigh on the Strictly Ballroom floor. My partner and I are going to dance for our lives! In all seriousness, it's an incredible honour to be the first Drag artist to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing. I hope I do all of my Drag Race and Welsh fans proud! Sign me up for all the glitz, glam and discoballs," reports the Manchester Evening News.

In the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, produced by BBC Studios, six couples will take to the dance floor with festive-themed performances, aiming to win over judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Head Judge Shirley Ballas, as well as the voting audience.

Also confirmed to join the special episode is comedian Josh Widdicombe, known for his work on Channel 4's The Last Leg alongside Adam Hills and Alex Brooker, his semi-autobiographical BBC Three show 'Josh', and as host of Dave's panel show 'Hypothetical'.

As revealed on Strictly: It Takes Two on Monday (November 11), he will be dancing with professional Karen Hauer, who previously partnered with ex-footballer Paul Merson in this year's main series. Expressing his trepidation, Josh said: "I am utterly terrified this will end in humiliation and worried I'm going to be so bad I will ruin Christmas for the nation. Why have I done this?"