Tess Daly, co-host of Strictly Come Dancing, is set to perform an Argentine tango with professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec during the show’s highly anticipated Christmas special.
The festive episode will mark a significant moment for viewers, as it will be the final joint hosting appearance for Daly and her long-standing co-presenter, Claudia Winkleman, following their announcement in October.
Daly, 56, will grace the ballroom floor alongside Skorjanec, 35, with the performance presented as a special Christmas gift from the judging panel. Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will bestow the dance upon her during the pre-recorded episode.
Adding to the festive cheer, Winkleman, 53, will feature in a parody of the beloved Christmas film Love Actually.
The segment will see her open a door to Dave Arch, the composer for the Strictly band, who will greet her holding large placards. These will read “say it’s carol singers” and “to me, you are perfect”, echoing the scene from Love Actually where Andrew Lincoln’s character, Mark, declares his affection for Juliet, played by Keira Knightley.
Daly and Winkleman’s last proper Strictly episode took place on Saturday during the series finale, and they were left bereft after the BBC show shared a moving tribute to its outgoing hosts.
The Strictly team surprised the pair with a montage of their best bits over the past years, as well as a special message from Queen Camilla, which again brought Daly and Winkleman to tears.
The tribute from Queen Camilla, delivered by long-standing judge Craig Revel Horwood, said: “Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to take your final twirl, I just want to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week.
Revel Horwood read: “I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships, the bonds forged, the struggles overcome, and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.
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“If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly partnership of all. The warmth, compassion, and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show’s success.”
“I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fabulous. I wish you both every success in wherever life’s journey takes you next, but as one who has appreciated its lifelong benefits, do promise us one thing, keep dancing.
“With the warmest gratitude and admiration, Her Royal Highness, Queen Camilla.”
The presenters were overwhelmed by the tribute as Daly said: “I can’t speak now. What an honour.”
Beyond the hosts’ special moments, the Strictly Christmas special will also feature six celebrities competing for the coveted champion title. The line-up includes TV personality Scarlett Moffatt, paired with Vito Coppola; All Saints singer Melanie Blatt, dancing with Kai Widdrington; and EastEnders star Nicholas Bailey, partnered with Luba Mushtuk.
Actor and podcaster Babatunde Aleshe will perform with Nancy Xu, Westlife’s Brian McFadden with Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gladiator Jodie Ounsley with Neil Jones.
While the regular judges will score the performances, the ultimate decision on who wins will rest with the voting studio audience.
The Strictly Christmas special is scheduled to air on BBC One and iPlayer from 5.30 pm on Christmas Day.
