Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special: FIRST LOOK as Debbie McGee, 61, is spun around by Kevin Clifton during a very daring lift while Gemma Atkinson stuns with a jive
The highly-anticipated festive edition of Strictly Come Dancing is set to hit screens on Christmas Day.
And ahead of the big show, first look images of the Christmas special have been released, showing the celebrities dancing up a storm as they battle it out for the coveted glitterball trophy.
New pictures see Debbie McGee clinging onto Kevin Clifton’s neck as she’s spun around in a daring lift, while Gemma Atkinson teams up with beau Gorka Marquez for a stunning jive.
First look: Images from the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special have been released, with Debbie McGee seen being swung around by partner Kevin Clifton in a very daring life
The main edition of the BBC dance show ended just days ago, with former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher emerging victorious alongside professional partner Oti Mabuse.
With Strictly fever still in the air, no doubt fans of the show can hardly wait for their next Strictly fix over the festive period.
And it’s clear they’re in for a treat as the six famous faces give it their all in the pre-recorded episode.
TV personality Debbie, 61, looked sensational in a billowing blue gown as she darts across the dance-floor with partner Kevin Clifton, 37.
Reunited on the floor: While Gemma Atkinson teams up with beau Gorka Marquez for a stunning jive
After she reached the final in 2017 and Kevin won with Stacey Dooley last year, the duo will no doubt be a tough act to beat.
Speaking about returning to the dance show, Debbie told Daily Express that it was ‘tough, but fantastic’.
She added: ‘When I start to dance, something inside of me switches on – I love it.’
But hot on their heels are real-life couple Gemma and Gorka, with the pair seen lighting up the dance floor with a spectacular jive.
Gemma, 35, and Gorka, 29, met and fell in love on the 2017 edition of the show, though they were paired with different partners at the time.
Looking good: TV personality Debbie, 61, looked sensational in a billowing blue gown as she darts across the dance-floor with partner Kevin Clifton, 37
Look at them go: But hot on their heels are real-life couple Gemma and Gorka, with the pair seen lighting up the dance floor with a spectacular jive
They’ve since welcomed a daughter, Mia, in July, with Gemma showcasing her incredible post-baby body in a bold red jumpsuit.
Another real-life couple returning to the floor are Joe Sugg, 28, and Dianne Buswell, 30.
The pair looked delighted to be back dancing together again as they sizzled in matching candy cane suits.
Back again: Another real-life couple returning to the floor are Joe Sugg, 28, and Dianne Buswell, 30, with the pair sizzling in matching candy cane suits
Showstopping: The lovebirds looked on fine form as they battled to better their 2018 runner-up position
The lovebirds looked on fine form as they battled to better their 2018 runner-up position.
Meanwhile, Mark Wright, 32, burst back on the show after five years away and he looked better than ever.
His snake hips were clearly still going strong as he shimmied and shook his way through an energetic routine with new partner Janette Manrara, 36.
Shake it: Mark Wright, 32, burst back on the show after five years away and looked better than ever, with his snake hips were clearly still going strong as he shimmied with Janette Manrara
Wow! Another star also showcasing their impressive moves (and incredible flexibility) was Chizzy Akudolu, who did the splits during her showstopping routine
You go girl: The Holby City actress, 46, looked delighted to be paired up with hunky pro Graziano Di Prima, 25, as she sported a huge smile
Green with envy: Elsewhere, GMB star Richard Arnold fully embraced the Christmas theme as he sported a full-on Grinch costume as he waltzed around with pro dancer Luba Mushtuk
Another star also showcasing their impressive moves (and incredible flexibility) was Chizzy Akudolu, who did the splits during her showstopping routine.
The Holby City actress, 46, looked delighted to be paired up with hunky pro Graziano Di Prima, 25, as she sported a huge smile.
And the star pulled out all the stops with her outfit too, as she rocked a glittering metallic gown complete with fabulous copper tassels.
It’s not easy being green: The presenter, 50, no doubt worked up a sweat as he rocked the thick, furry outfit while competing alongside Luba, 29
Let’s do this: Richard was full of concentration as he took part in the Christmas special of the popular BBC One show
Elsewhere, Good Morning Britain star Richard Arnold fully embraced the Christmas theme as he sported a full-on Grinch costume as he waltzed around with pro dancer Luba Mushtuk.
The presenter, 50, no doubt worked up a sweat as he rocked the thick, furry outfit while competing alongside Luba, 29.
As ever, judges Shirley Ballas, Bruno Tonioli, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood were on hand to give their verdict on the festive performances.
Quartet: As ever, judges Shirley Ballas, Bruno Tonioli, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood were on hand to give their verdict on the festive performances
Dazzling: The quartet stunned in glitzy outfits while hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman wowed in shimmering metallic ensembles
The quartet stunned in glitzy outfits while hosts Tess Daly, 50, and Claudia Winkleman, 47, wowed in shimmering metallic ensembles.
The six famous faces and the professional partners also teamed up for a spectacular group number which saw them donned stunning white outfits.
The images tease a wonderful routine complete with huge feather plumes as the group put on a great show for the audience and viewers at home.
All together now: The six famous faces and the professional partners also teamed up for a spectacular group number which saw them donned stunning white outfits
Keeep dancing! Not ones to be left out, the judges also got involved and were seen joining the contestants during the showstopping number
Dress to impress: Ever the fashionista, Craig got into the festive spirit as he dressed as a snowflake for the fun routine
Not ones to be left out, the judges also got involved and were seen joining the contestants during the showstopping number.
Ever the fashionista, Craig got into the festive spirit as he dressed as a snowflake for the fun routine.
As if all that wasn’t enough, fans will be treated to a special performance from the one and only Liam Payne.
Look who it is: As if all that wasn’t enough, fans will be treated to a special performance from the one and only Liam Payne
Let me entertain you: The One Direction hunk, 26, look dapper in a glittery black short as he belted out his latest single
The One Direction hunk, 26, look dapper in a glittery black short as he belted out his latest single.
The Bedroom Floor hitmaker was accompanied by Nadiya Bychkova and Johannes Radebe, who appeared lost in the moment as they danced.
The Strictly teaser pictures come weeks after fans were left devastated after the festive special results were leaked online.
Sizzling: The Bedroom Floor hitmaker was accompanied by Nadiya Bychkova and Johannes Radebe, who appeared lost in the moment as they danced
After seeing the spoiler, several people complained the special had been ‘ruined’ for them and that ‘people really don’t care about others’.
It is thought that an audience member let slip the result. MailOnline is not revealing who the Christmas Glitterball champions are.
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC One on Christmas Day.
Strictly fever: The main edition of the BBC dance show ended just days ago, with Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse emerging victorious, but who will win the Christmas special?
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