Danniy Cipriani confirmed for Strictly Christmas special

Danny Cipriani is among the celebs announced for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.

Strictly Come Dancing, produced by BBC Studios returns to the Ballroom which will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland for an all-star Christmas special that promises to dazzle audiences with a magical blend of dance, glitter, and festive cheer as six brand new celebrity contestants take to the floor in a bid to be crowned Christmas Champion 2023.

Each of the six couples will perform a festive fuelled routine with the hope of impressing the judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, Head Judge Shirley Ballas, and the voting studio audience. But who will emerge the Christmas star of the evening, and lift the sought after Christmas trophy?

Actress Tillie Amartey was revealed as the fourth celebrity in the 2023 Christmas line up, she will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Neil Jones.

Tillie has amassed an impressive CV in a short time, working on shows for Sky, CBBC and Channel 5. She will be hitting our screens in January 2024 as “Stace Neville” in BBC One’s hit series Waterloo Road. Tillie’s acting career has also seen her play a range of varied roles on CBBC’s popular show Almost Never, Channel 5’s four-part drama The Teacher alongside Sheridan Smith, and her most intense performance to date: “Marnie” in Jimmy McGovern’s Moving On.

Tillie was also handpicked by David Walliams for her debut film role in his TV adaptation of Ratburger. Her break-out performance as troublesome Tina Trott in the adaptation won her plaudits from critics and industry peers alike. Acting aside, Tillie is also known for her flair for presenting and has fronted shows on both CITV and CBBC. Most recently, she was a co-host on CBBC’s Love! Love! Love!, celebrating trends across music, pop and celebrity culture.

Tillie Amartey said: “My family have been avid fans of Strictly since forever so no pressure! The nerves are real, but I am SUPER excited to bring some much-needed joy to the telly while I shimmy and sparkle my two left feet through the Christmas special!”

Danny Cipriani is the fifth Christmas celebrity to be revealed, he will be paired with Jowita Przystał. Danny is a former England International and current professional Rugby Union player. He most recently played for Premiership Rugby side Bath and previously played for Gloucester, Sale Sharks and Wasps in the Premiership and Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby.

Danny Cipriani said: “I’ve always enjoyed the concept of Strictly Come Dancing, it wasn’t something I ever thought I’d do. After addressing my own ideas and beliefs, I am very much looking forward to expressing myself through dance with no limitations. Strictly brings joy to everyone’s living rooms, being a part of that for Christmas Day will be special.”

The sixth and final celebrity revealed is Singer Songwriter Keisha Buchanan, she will be paired with Gorka Márquez.

Keisha is a founding member of platinum selling, critically acclaimed, girl group Sugababes. Having sold out the O2 for their ‘One night only show’, this incredible girl group have just released their new hit single ‘When the Rain Comes’ and have been crowned the Music Week Women in Music Awards 2023 ‘Inspirational Artist’ of the year! Touring the country hasn’t stopped Keisha jumping at the chance of appearing in this years’ Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.

Keisha Buchanan said: “I am so excited to be taking part, and over Christmas too, my favourite time of the year! I am looking forward to learning some new moves and embracing the dancefloor!”

The news was revealed this evening on (Thursday 23rd November) on (BBC Two’s It Takes Two).

Broadcaster Dan Snow, newsreader Sally Nugent and EastEnders favourite Jamie Borthwick complete the lineup.