Babatunde Aléshé has been confirmed as the fifth celebrity to participate in the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special. The actor and comedian, known for his appearance on I’m A Celebrity in 2022, will team up with professional dancer Nancy Xu for this festive edition of the popular dance competition.
Aléshé, 39, reflected on his dancing history, stating, “I used to do a little dancing when I was in college. I used to do Street Locking and Break Dancing, but then I found comedy and pursued that instead.” He humorously acknowledged his current dancing skills, saying, “At 39 I’ve accepted that a good two-step is all I need to get by at any function, but I know that won’t be enough for Strictly! Let’s hope the old moves come back to me in time for Christmas.”
Filming for the special is set for December 9, 2025, with the show scheduled to air on December 25, 2025. Aléshé previously gained recognition as the fifth contestant eliminated from the 2022 season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! after facing his fear of heights during the competition.
The lineup for the Christmas Special continues to grow, featuring Nicholas Bailey, a EastEnders star known for his role as Doctor Anthony Trueman, as the fourth celebrity announced. He joins a star-studded cast that includes Scarlett Moffatt from Gogglebox and singer Melanie Blatt of All Saints fame. This vibrant group is set to bring excitement to the dance floor.
Blatt, 50, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, saying, “If you can’t have a dance at Christmas, when can you? I’m so excited to meet Kai [Widdrington] and start training to make this a dance to remember.” Widdrington, who previously competed with reality star Vicky Pattison, will partner with Blatt for the special.
Earlier this week, Jodie Ounsley, a 24-year-old former rugby player, was announced as the third celebrity to join the lineup. She will dance with professional Neil Jones and shared her excitement: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be doing the Strictly Christmas Special. Being the first female rugby player means a lot to me too. I honestly can’t wait to get stuck in, I’m used to smashing into people, so this is definitely going to be a challenge!”
As the anticipation builds for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, viewers can expect a lively and engaging celebration of dance featuring a diverse range of celebrities. The combination of humor, talent, and festive spirit promises to deliver a memorable holiday experience for fans.
