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The BBC has officially revealed the final celebrity taking to the dance floor for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, completing a line-up packed with nostalgic favourites, TV personalities and fan-favourite entertainers. The final star announced is none other than Brian McFadden, the Westlife singer whose career spans more than two decades and includes some of the biggest pop hits of the early 2000s.
McFadden joins a star-studded festive cast already generating huge excitement among Strictly fans. Also confirmed for the seasonal special are Scarlett Moffatt, Melanie Blatt, Nicholas Bailey, Jodie Ounsley, and Babatunde Aléshé, a diverse mix of musicians, comedians, actors and reality TV favourites who will each compete for the title of Strictly Christmas Champion 2025.
The Christmas Special has become a beloved TV tradition, attracting millions each year thanks to its feel-good routines, sparkling costumes and playful festive energy. This year’s cast seems perfectly tailored to that spirit, combining established stars with personalities who bring humour, charm and excitement to the ballroom.
Brian McFadden, who shot to fame as part of Westlife, is expected to bring musicality and performance confidence to his routine. Known for hits like Flying Without Wings, Swear It Again and World of Our Own, Brian has plenty of stage experience, but ballroom dancing will be a new challenge. Fans are already speculating which dance style he’ll be assigned and how he will handle the famously intense Strictly training schedule.
“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 McFadden) – Credit:BBC
Joining him is Scarlett Moffatt, who became a household name after winning Gogglebox viewers’ hearts and then becoming victorious on I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2016. Scarlett’s bubbly personality and natural comedic timing have made her a popular TV presence. She previously expressed her love for Strictly, making her addition to the Christmas line-up a welcome surprise for fans.
Another major name is Melanie Blatt, member of the iconic girl group All Saints, known for hits such as Never Ever, Pure Shores and Black Coffee. Her cool, understated style could translate beautifully into ballroom or Latin choreography, and many are eager to see what direction the Strictly judges take with her performance.
Former EastEnders star Nicholas Bailey, who portrayed Anthony Trueman in the long-running soap, adds dramatic flair to the cast. With his acting experience and stage background, he may be a strong contender for a powerful Christmas routine.
Representing the world of sports is Jodie Ounsley, star of the rebooted Gladiators, where she appeared as “Fury.” Known for her athletic strength and determination, she brings an entirely different skillset to the dance floor. Athletes often excel on Strictly thanks to stamina and discipline, two things Jodie has in abundance.
Rounding out the cast is comedian Babatunde Aléshé, who has carved out a huge fanbase through stand-up comedy and TV appearances, including Celebrity Gogglebox. His humour and stage charisma could make him one of the standout personalities of the special.
With the full cast now confirmed, the BBC is expected to release pairings, rehearsal clips and costume reveals in the coming weeks. The Strictly Christmas Special traditionally films earlier than the main series, with the festive edition airing on Christmas Day, a slot that guarantees millions of viewers tuning in after their Christmas dinner.
This year’s edition promises laughter, nostalgia, festive sparkle and emotional performances, everything Strictly fans adore. Whether you’re supporting your favourite childhood pop star, a beloved TV personality, or a new face bringing energy to the ballroom, the 2025 Christmas Special is shaping up to be a holiday highlight you won’t want to miss.
