Sally Nugent has been announced as one of the celebs in this year’s Christmas special (Picture: BBC)
BBC Breakfast star Sally Nugent has been confirmed as one of the first celebrities taking part in Strictly Come Dancing’s Christmas special.
The all-star event will return to BBC One this year, with six brand new celebrity contestants vying 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.
Sally, 52, will join broadcaster Dan Snow and actor Jamie Borthwick on the dancefloor this year, while she’s partnered up with Graziano Di Prima.
Announcing the news on Instagram alongside some snaps of the pair during training, she wrote: ‘I was in need of a little pick me up when the lovely people at Strictly called.
‘They kindly suggested I might like to learn to dance with @grazianodiprima in time for Christmas.
Sally is partnered with Graziano Di Prima (Picture: Sally Nugent/Instagram)
‘I was in need of a little pick me up when the lovely people at Strictly called.’ (Picture: Sally Nugent/Instagram)
‘I am definitely not a dancer – but I will try my best. And there is no one better to learn with.
‘Join us on our Christmas adventure and I guarantee that we will all have fun along the way. Ciao 👋’
Sally’s former co-star Dan Walker, who appeared on Strictly in 2021, shared his support and commented: ‘GO ON SAL & GRAZ.’
Owain Wyn Evans added: ‘Omg Sal this is so good! Cannot wait to see it! 🪩 xxxx.’
They’ll be taking to the Strictly ballroom this Christmas (Picture: Sally Nugent/Instagram)
Announcing the news, Sally had earlier shared: ‘I am thrilled and slightly terrified to be taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.
‘I’m hoping the judges will be kind – and filled with Christmas spirit. And I hope everyone watching at home will enjoy a little bit of Strictly magic on Christmas night.’
History broadcaster, best-selling author and entrepreneur Dan, who spent 15 years working for the BBC, said: ‘I am absolutely terrified about hitting the dance floor. But I love getting out of my comfort zone and I’ve always wanted to learn how to dance properly. So I thought it was now or never!’
He’ll be partnered with Nadia Bychkova while Jay Brown actor Jamie will be taking to the floor with Nancy Xu.
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick will be dancing with Nancy Xu (Picture: PA)
Meanwhile, Dan Snow will be paired with Nadiya Bychkova (Picture: PA)
He said: ‘I am so excited to be joining the cast of this years’ Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.
‘From Walford to a Waltz, I can’t wait to learn a new skill and put my dancing to the test.
‘I’m hoping to spread Christmas cheer and have a good laugh with my professional dancer…get me on that dancefloor!’
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day.
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She’s got her dancing shoes on!