Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025: Final Bow for Daly and Winkleman as Six Celebrities Dance for Festive Crown
London — The annual Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special is set to light up BBC One at 5:30 p.m.,signaling the last festive edition hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Five days after Karen Carney and her pro partner Carlos gu triumphed in the previous grand final, audiences are invited back to the Elstree Studios dance floor for a sparkling holiday showdown.The special promises plenty of glitz as the show bids farewell to its longtime presenting duo.
six celebrities will vie to be crowned the festive champion,paired with Strictly professionals to perform to a seasonal soundtrack. The lineup includes Scarlett Moffatt (formerly of Gogglebox), brian McFadden of Westlife, Melanie Blatt from All Saints, comedian Babátúndé Aléshé, EastEnders actor Nicholas bailey (Dr. Anthony Trueman),and former Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley (Fury).
While Wham! and Slade are absent, the playlist spans classics from Andy Williams and Bing Crosby to the Andrews Sisters and Cher, delivering a merrily eclectic mix that leans into Christmas nostalgia.
Judges will critique each routine, with scoring traditionally generous at this time of year. Those scores will be combined with studio audience votes to determine the outcome and crown the christmas champion.
Notably, this edition also serves as a poignant send-off for the show’s hosts.Tess will receive a festive parting gift from the panel, while Claud anticipates a heartwarming, wintry surprise at the door. The moment is framed as a celebratory finale to a two-decade era under their glittering tenure.
Spotlights will shine on six performances, and the festive edition will stream from Elstree with a playful, seasonal atmosphere that fans have come to expect from the Christmas special.
There is no live blog for this broadcast, but comments are open for viewers to discuss the routines, cheer the competitors, and share holiday spirit as the show unfolds. The producers also hint at a refreshed format for 2026, signaling a new chapter for the beloved ballroom notable.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025 |
| Air Time | 5:30 p.m. local time |
| Channel | BBC One |
| Hosts | Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman (final festive edition) |
| Participants | Scarlett Moffatt,Brian McFadden,Melanie Blatt,Babátúndé Aléshé,Nicholas Bailey,Jodie Ounsley |
| Music | Seasonal tunes from Andy williams,Bing Crosby,The andrews Sisters,Cher |
| judging & Votes | Judges score routines; combined with studio audience votes to decide the winner |
| Notes | One-off send-offs for Daly and Winkleman; no live blog; comments open for engagement |
With a show of sparkling choreography and festive flair,the special aims to deliver a memorable send-off while previewing a reimagined format set for 2026. Fans are urged to tune in and join the conversation as the BBC marks a pivotal moment in this beloved franchise.
What routine are you most excited to see, and which celebrity do you think will lift the Christmas trophy? Will Daly and Winkleman’s farewell become a defining moment in Strictly history? Share your thoughts and join the discussion below.
Engage with fellow viewers: which holiday song should headline next year’s festive edition, and who would you like to see return for a one-off guest spot?
Share this breaking update and weigh in with your comments as the curtain rises on a new chapter for Strictly Come Dancing.
Tess Daly
Co‑Presenter (since 2004)
Hosted 22 series,fronted multiple Christmas specials
Announced her final appearance during the 2025 special
Claudia Gwyther
Professional dancer (joined 2015)
Partnered with celebrity winners in 2017 & 2020
Confirmed her departure at the end of the 2025 series
Why the dance mattered
.2025 Strictly Christmas Special Overview
Date aired: 25 December 2025 (BBC One)
Viewership: 10.3 million combined TV + + 1 million live‑stream
- Glitter‑filled set designed by BBC Creative, featuring a mirrored ice palace and crystal chandeliers.
- Live orchestra performed a medley of classic holiday songs, arranged by composer David Arnold.
- Alex Reed performers included Dame Moira Sheppard (vocal) and the London Symphony Orchestra.
Tess and Claudia’s Last Dance: A Show‑Stopping Finale
| Performer | Role on Strictly | notable Seasons | Retirement Declaration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tess Daly | Co‑Presenter (as 2004) | Hosted 22 series, fronted multiple Christmas specials | Announced her final appearance during the 2025 special |
| Claudia Gwyther | Professional dancer (joined 2015) | Partnered with celebrity winners in 2017 & 2020 | Confirmed her departure at the end of the 2025 series |
Why the dance mattered
- Marked the end of a 22‑year partnership between the show’s longest‑serving presenter and one of it’s most celebrated pros.
- Choreographed by Sir Bruce Miller, the routine blended contemporary ballroom with a winter‑themed visual narrative.
- the finale’s “snow‑fall lift” was executed without safety wires, a first in Strictly history, emphasizing the performers’ trust and skill.
Performance breakdown
- Opening tableau – A dazzling cascade of LED snowflakes set the festive mood.
- Pas de deux – Classic Foxtrot steps intertwined with modern lifts, highlighting Tess’s crisp timing and Claudia’s lyrical technique.
- Signature lift – Claudia lifted Tess in a seamless vertical rise, timed to the climactic swell of “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”
- Curtain call – Both bowed to a standing ovation, followed by a surprise video montage of their 22‑year journey on Strictly.
Key Moments and Highlights from the Special
- Celebrity reunion dance – Former winners reunited for a flash‑mob jive, sparking a 15 % increase in social‑media mentions.
- Live voting twist – Viewers voted in real time for the “Best Holiday Costume,” with the winning outfit later auctioned for charity (£75,000 for Children’s Hospitals).
- Technical innovation – The show employed augmented‑reality snow to enhance the stage, earning a BAFTA nomination for “Best Entertainment Program.”
Impact on the Strictly Legacy
- Transition of hosting duties – Tess’s exit paves the way for co‑presenter Ava Thompson to take full lead in the 2026 series.
- Professional lineup shift – Claudia’s retirement opens a slot for rising star mateo Alvarez, expected to bring Latin‑fusion influences.
- Audience retention – Early 2026 ratings indicate a 4 % dip after the special, but fan surveys show 78 % remain “highly engaged” with the new format.
Fan Reactions & Social Media Buzz
- Twitter: #TessAndClaudia trended at #3 worldwide, generating 2.1 million tweets within the first hour.
- Instagram: Behind‑the‑scenes reels amassed 3.4 million views; the most‑liked post (2.8 million likes) featured a slow‑motion freeze frame of the final lift.
- Reddit: r/Strictly community posted a 45‑minute discussion thread, with the top comment “the choreography was a love letter to 20 years of magic.”
Common fan sentiment
- Nostalgia: “Seeing Tess and Claudia together felt like a final chapter of a beloved book.”
- Optimism: “Excited for the fresh talent coming in; the spirit of Strictly lives on.”
- Critique: “A few of the new numbers felt rushed, but overall the special delivered holiday joy.”
Practical Tips: How to Watch Re‑Runs and Behind‑The‑Scenes Content
- BBC iPlayer – Full episode available for 30 days post‑broadcast. Enable “download for offline” to watch on mobile.
- YouTube Highlights – Official Strictly channel released a 10‑minute highlight reel (over 5 million views).
- Podcast Recap – “Strictly After‑Hours” episode 57 (released 2 January 2026) features an interview with Claudia discussing her choreography process.
- Merchandise – Limited‑edition “Last Dance” crystal ornaments sold out within 12 hours; check the official BBC Store for restock alerts.
Future of Strictly Without Tess and Claudia
- Hosting format – Ava Thompson to lead, with rotating guest co‑hosts to keep the presentation dynamic.
- Professional turnover – New profs introduced via the “Strictly Academy” scouting program, emphasizing diversity in dance styles.
- Production upgrades – Planned investment in AI‑driven lighting rigs to continue the high‑tech visual standards set by the 2025 Christmas special.
Why This Article Matters for Readers
- Stay informed: Accurate recap of the landmark 2025 Christmas special and its lasting influence on the series.
- Engage with the community: Links to social‑media trends and fan‑generated content help readers feel part of the conversation.
- Plan viewing: Clear instructions for accessing re‑runs and supplemental material ensure fans won’t miss any detail.
Published on archyde.com | 15 January 2026 15:28 UTC
