Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Rachel Stevens and Louis Smith to return for Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas special
As if the Strictly Come Dancing contestants weren't feeling enough pressure with the forthcoming Blackpool show this weekend.
Now they're going to have to see if they measure up to past winners Louis Smith and Chris Hollins this Christmas, when the celebrities hit the dance floor again for the Christmas special.
They will be joined on the show - co-hosted by returning former presenter Sir Bruce Forsyth - by Sophie Ellis-Bextor and S Club 7's Rachel Stevens.
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Bringing it back: Previous contestant Rachel Stevens returns to Strictly Come Dancing this Christmas for a one-off special
The annual festive show usually chooses a field of new stars but this year bosses have chosen to bring back former favourites with the six-strong list of celebrities completed by Lisa Riley and Russell Grant.
Gymnast Louis Smith will rekindle his dancing flame with Aliona Vilani and set the dance floor alight when he returns.
And on the presenting front, Sir Bruce - who bowed out of the show this year - will revive his partnership with Tess Daly for the programme.
Putting on her dancing shoes: Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be putting her moves on show once again
Keeping him on his toes: Former winner Louis Smith has been invited to dance in this year's seasonal special
At the time of his departure earlier this year, he said he would be back for the seasonal special and may be involved in other one-off shows.
Strictly has become a fixture in the Christmas Day schedule and is often one of the day's most popular shows.
Contestants will this year perform a panto-inspired routine in the hope of getting their hands on the trophy.
The one to watch: Previous winners Louis and Chris Hollins will go head to head on the night
Also returning to the programme will be professional dancer Robin Windsor - reviving his partnership with Riley - after he stepped away from the BBC1 contest before the current series began.
Regular judges Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood will each feature in the programme.
Speaking on Lizzie Cundy's FUBAR radio show on Thursday, Bruno spoke about his favourite stars of this year's competition.
He said: 'I love Mark Wright because he puts everything into it and he's a lovely boy. Also, even though Judy Murray may not be the best dancer, she does everything with a smile on her face.
Comedy material: Bruno Tonioli recently said nothing beats the comedic value of Russel Grant shoowing out of a canon
'She has the best attitude,' he added. 'Because even when getting low marks and bad comments she still is smiling.'
The excitable judge also spoke about his favourite moment from past series, saying he's looking forward to Russell Grant's return.
He said: 'Strictly's best comic moment can never be beaten by Russell Grant being shot out of a canon in a gold all-in-one.'
Chatting up a storm: Lizzie Cundy spoke to Bruno Tonioli on Wednesday afternoon on her new show for FUBAR radio
New venture: Lizzie looked fabulous as she posed up a storm ahead of her first show
And Simon Webbe discussed his partnership with professional dancer Kristina Rihanoff.
He told Lizzie and Mark: 'Kristina rules with an iron fist. I've never been so scared in my entire life.
'Kristina is great and keeping me on straight and narrow. The way she does it I dont want to let her down. She rules with a Russian iron fist.'
'My boys from Blue send me daily messages saying I can do better. I know I've got the dance moves inside me.
Listen to Hot Gossip with Lizzie Cundy and Mark Dolan onFUBAR radio every Thursday between 10am-1pm.
Confiding: Bruno told FUBAR's Lizzie that Strictly's best comic moment can never be beaten by Russell Grant being shot out of a canon
Dream team: Lizzie and Mark have combined their charms for their new radio show
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2833440/Sophie-Ellis-Bextor-Rachel-Stevens-Louis-Smith-return-Strictly-Come-Dancing-s-Christmas-special.html#ixzz3J0EA8kee
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