Strictly Come Dancing fan favourites return to the ballroom in Christmas special preview

Two real-life couples are among the stars taking to the dancefloor 
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Rachel McGrath17 December 2019

Strictly Come Dancing 2019 reached its conclusion over the weekend but there’s still one more episode to come before the end of the year.

For the 16th year running, a special festive episode will air on Christmas Day and this time around, two of the couples dancing together are in relationships off-screen too.

Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez, who welcomed their first daughter together earlier this year, will be performing a jive to I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’ by The Jackson 5 and new pictures reveal Marquez makes a delightful Santa.

Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg, who got together shortly after reaching the final in 2018, will be doing a Street Commercial routine to Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes - while sporting eye-catching matching suits.

Matching ensembles: Joe and Dianne will be hoping to get their hands on the top spot this time around
BBC/Guy Levy

The two real-life couples will be up against four others pair in the Christmas special as 2017 finalist Debbie McGee quicksteps with a new partner, Kevin Clifton, while Mark Wright is paired with Janette Manrara.

They’ll be dancing to Jingle Bells and Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses, respectively.

The Grinch who stole... the Glitterball trophy?
BBC/Guy Levy

Graziano Di Prima, who like Marquez did not have a partner on the regular series, will be dancing with Chizzy Adukolu to Pink’s Get the Party Started.

Adukolu will be bringing plenty of glam to the proceedings with a shimmering gold and silver number.

Richard Arnold will be playing the Grinch for his Foxtrot with Luba Mushtuk.

The 2019 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special airs on Christmas Day at 4.40pm.

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