Imagine the excitement of witnessing one of the most beloved TV hosts step into the spotlight for a final dazzling performance—that's exactly what's happening as Tess Daly prepares to dance her last tango on Strictly Come Dancing. But here's where it gets controversial... Daly, the charming co-host who has been a familiar face on the show, will unite with professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec, aged 35 from Slovenia, to perform an elegant Argentine tango as part of the festive Christmas special. This special dance isn’t just a routine; it’s a heartfelt gift from the judges, celebrating Daly's remarkable run on the show before she bids farewell alongside her longtime co-host, Claudia Winkleman, who also announced her departure back in October.
This pre-recorded episode will serve as Daly’s farewell appearance, making it a memorable farewell to her hosting duties. The show’s judges—Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke—will present her with this special dance, symbolically offering it as a parting gift filled with appreciation and admiration.
And this is the part most people miss when they think about these specials: the episode is not just about dance; it’s woven with festive humor and nostalgic references. For instance, Winkleman will playfully parody the beloved holiday film 'Love Actually', opening a door to Dave Arch, the talented composer of the Strictly band. Arch will stand holding large signs that humorously mimic some iconic lines from the movie—like 'say it's carol singers' and 'to me, you are perfect'. These references evoke cherished Christmas memories, especially the famous scene where Mark confesses his love using signs.
The Christmas special isn't just about farewells but also about competition. Six celebrities, each eager to claim the title of festive champion, will battle it out in the dance arena. Among them is Scarlett Moffatt, known from TV, paired with professional dancer Vito Coppola. Melanie Blatt of All Saints will dance alongside Kai Widdrington, and EastEnders star Nicholas Bailey will hit the dance floor with Luba Mushtuk. Other contestants include actor and podcaster Babatunde Aleshe with Nancy Xu, Westlife singer Brian McFadden dancing with Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gladiator actress Jodie Ounsley paired with Neil Jones.
The judging panel—Ballas, Revel Horwood, Mabuse, and Du Beke—will evaluate each performance, but here’s the twist: the ultimate decision on who wins will rest with the voting studio audience, emphasizing the importance of viewer engagement in the outcome.
Fans can catch this special holiday treat on BBC One, starting from 5:30 pm on Christmas Day. It promises a mix of heartfelt farewells, festive cheer, and extraordinary dance performances that highlight the spirit of the season—making this episode one to watch for fans of the show and newcomers alike.
