Six celebrities will be battling it out to be crowned the winner of Strictly’s Christmas special episode.
Janette Manrara announced the final name in the lineup (Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing fans were finally informed of the final name joining the lineup for this year’s Christmas special. Singer Brian McFadden is the sixth and final star to be confirmed. On the show, Janette Manrara teased fans as she read out the other names who had already been announced. She then introduced Brian into the studio, and it was also revealed that the Westlife singer will be paired with Michelle Tsiakkas. His TV credits include judging Australia’s Got Talent and guest judging Australian Idol, and presenting Football Superstar and 90 episodes of Who’s Doing The Dishes?
Speaking to the BBC, he said: “I’m delighted to be a part of the Strictly Christmas special. We are big fans of Strictly in our house so to be dancing on Christmas Day on such a magical show will make it a Christmas to remember.”
Brian is the final name confirmed for the festive special (Image: BBC)
Yesterday, the fourth and fifth celebrities for the Strictly Christmas special episode were revealed. Actor and comedian Babatunde Aleshe will join the festive lineup and dance with Nancy Xu. The fifth was Nicholas Bailey, an actor currently appearing in EastEnders.
Known to millions of viewers for his role as Dr Anthony Trueman in the BBC soap, Nicholas first arrived on the square 25 years ago, where he was an EastEnders regular until 2003. After guest appearances over the last few years, Nicholas returned to the show earlier this year.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will oversee the festivities for their final time as hosts, while Head Judge Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke will all be on the judging panel.
This year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will see six pairs battle it out to be crowned the Strictly Christmas Champion.
Babatunde is an award-winning stand-up comedian, actor, and podcaster. As a stand-up, he has toured extensively, with his latest UK headline tour concluding this week ahead of international dates in 2026.
Strictly Come Dancing resumes this Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer.
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