Strictly’s It Takes Two was halted on Friday (November 21) as the host made a “huge” Christmas announcement.
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During the latest instalment of the hit spin-off programme, host Janette Manrara revealed that she had a “huge exclusive” to share.
Later, Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt, who was appearing on the show’s Friday panel, confirmed that she would be the first celebrity to take part in this year’s Christmas special.
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“The rest of the panel will be out in a minute, but before they do, I’m here to tell you what your big Strictly exclusive is. Drum roll please,” Scarlett excitedly said.
“I’m so excited. I am officially this year’s first Strictly Christmas special contestant,” reports Wales Online.
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Scarlett Moffatt is taking part in the Strictly Christmas special(Image: BBC)
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While sitting down to discuss her news with Janette, Scarlett went on: “Honestly, I’m so excited, I just keep crying all the time. I can say it out loud. I’m so excited.
“It’s just a dream. Honestly, this is top of my bucket list, which I never thought I was going to be able to do, and now I get to do it!”
On the thought of being a big part of thousands of viewers’ Christmas this year, Scarlet emotionally said: “I will cry. For me, this has been tradition in my family that we’ll sit down and watch Strictly on Christmas Day. And the fact that my little boy, Jude, gets to then watch his mam is just so exciting.”
Scarlett will be paired with professional dancer Vito Coppola when she enters the Strictly Christmas ballroom this December.
Speaking previously in a statement, the star said: “Strictly has always held a special place in my heart, so being part of the Christmas Special feels truly magical.
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Scarlett shared the “exciting” news on Friday’s It Takes Two(Image: BBC)
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“It’s the show that brings everyone together around the TV, and being part of that is a genuine personal and career highlight. I’m sure it’ll also introduce me to a few muscles I didn’t know I had. I can’t wait to live my best life on that dance floor.”
This year’s Strictly Christmas special will see six couples battle it out under the glitterball to be crowned the Strictly Christmas Champion.
Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will oversee the festivities for their final time, while judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood will be on hand to critique the festive routines.
The official synopsis teases: “Expect a winter wonderland full of festive magic, dazzling group dances, live music and more, in what will be the perfect antidote to the post-Christmas dinner slump.”
The next celebrity taking part in the 2025 Strictly Christmas special will be announced on Monday (November 24) on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show with Scott Mills.
