Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Rachel Stevens are among the celebrities who have signed up for the 2014 ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Christmas special.
The ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ hitmaker and S Club 7 star are among the list of former contestants set to compete in the annual special, which will also see the return of retired host Sir Bruce Forsyth.
However, after coming in fourth place with professional dancer Brendan Cole in the 2013 series, Sophie will now be partnered with Aljaz Skorjanec, while 2008 runner-up Rachel will swap Vincent Simone for Tristan McManus.
Olympic gymnast Louis Smith – who won Strictly with dancer Flavia Cacace in 2012 – will also compete with Aliona Vilani and Ola Jordan’s 2009 champion partner Chris Hollins is to return alongside Iveta Lukosiute.
Completing the line up are 38-year-old actress Lisa Riley and her 2012 partner Robin Windsor – who has taken a break from the main contest this year – and Russell Grant, who was previously partnered with Flavia Cacace in 2011, and Joanne Clifton.
Each of the six couples will perform a pantomime-inspired yuletide routine in a bid to be crowned champion of the 2014 Christmas special and take home the coveted silver star trophy.
Judges Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, Darcey Bussell and Craig Revel Horwood will be at hand to provide their critique and scores while Tess Daly will reunite with former co-host Bruce.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Rachel Stevens for Christmas Strictly Come Dancing
