Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Rachel Stevens and Louis Smith to return for Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas special

By BECKY FREETH FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 17:41, 13 November 2014 | UPDATED: 21:30, 13 November 2014

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

'You just gotta train' Louis on getting his HOT BOD back

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:

• Hot Gossip with Mark Dolan and Lizzie Cundy | FUBAR Radio

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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Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone rehearsing to spice up the stage in Midnight Tango

Strictly back to work: Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone show off in rehearsals as they get set to spice up the stage in Midnight Tango once more

By KIMBERLEY DADDS

PUBLISHED: 21:13, 25 January 2013 | UPDATED: 23:49, 25 January 2013

They wrapped up the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing a few weeks ago.

But rather than take a rest following the programme's annual tour which ends in a fortnight, Flavia Cacace and former fiance Vincent Simone are readying their next workload already.

The ex lovers are set to take the stage in musical production Midnight Tango once more following a successful run in 2012.

No rest for the wicked: Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone pose during rehearsals as they gear up for West End show Midnight Tango

The Strictly Come Dancing professionals wowed fans in the stage show last year, and now they've been busy practising their latest moves as they get set to appear in the production once more.

Flavia, who became engaged to actor Jimi Mistry earlier this month, has posed for a series of new photos with Vincent showing off a hint of what's to come.

The 33-year-old teases how they'll appear on stage as she wraps her arms and legs around Vincent, looking more flirty and feminine than usual in a girly red polka dot frock.

Showing off their moves: The dancers start the new run of the production as soon as the Strictly Come Dancing Tour ends next month

Wearing heels to finish off the ensemble, she dramatically poses for a number of moves during one of their many rehearsals.

And Vincent himself looks dapper in the shots, wearing tap shoes and a grey suit as he flings Flavia around.

But this year they won't be the only Strictly Come Dancing alumni appearing in the show.

What's to come: Flavia poses in a flirty feminine frock for the rehearsals photo shoot

Strike a pose: The dancers used to be lovers but have managed to keep up their professional relationship despite moving on with other people

Flavia's former celebrity partner Russell Grant is also to make an appearance and be reunited with her on the West End stage, while former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips is producing it again alongside Adam Spiegel.

Speaking about the show and cast Arlene said: 'I'm delighted that Russell Grant will be performing and dancing in MIDNIGHT TANGO with Vincent and Flavia. 

'Russell's partnership with Flavia is well known, but I too have had a dance partnership with Russell, which began with his appearance in the title role of The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium, followed by playing Teen Angel in the current national tour of Grease, and I'm delighted we now have a third partnership.'

Ready to be reunited: Flavia's former Strictly celebrity partner Russell Grant will reunite with her as she also stars in the production

Ready to tango: Rather than take a rest following the end of the latest Strictly series Flavia and Vincent have been hard at work rehearsing for Midnight Tango

The show follows a plot set in a late-night bar in downtown Buenos Aires, which is owned by Carlos, who will be played by Russell.

Vincent and Flavia both star in and have choreographed the show, which brings to life all the drama, sensuality and elegance of the tango. 

They are joined on stage by some of the finest tango dancers in the world, and, between them, they take the audience on a journey into the heart of this intoxicating city, as danger and excitement, joy and jealousy, pain and passion combine into a spectacular and explosive evening.

The Olivier Award-nominated MIDNIGHT TANGO, runs for a strictly limited season at the Phoenix Theatre from 30 January to 2 March 2013.

Not long to go! The pair are set to take to the stage next week as they show off their new production for their dancing fans

http://www.vincentandflavia.com/
@FlaviaCacace @vincentsimone
Go here for Tickets

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2268472/Flavia-Cacace-Vincent-Simone-set-spice-stage-Midnight-Tango-rehearsals.html#ixzz2J2LhKnXW
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