Fifth celeb confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special as EastEnders star signs up for show

AN EastEnders legend has been unveiled as the fifth Strictly Christmas special contestant.

The festive edition sees celebs perform a one-off dance ballroom in the BBC ballroom.

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Tamzin Outhwaite, who played Mel Owen on and off until 2019, has signed up.

She will be dancing with Strictly pro Nikita Kuzmin, who most recently partnered Sam Quek.

The news was confirmed on tonight's episode of Strictly's spin-off It Takes Two.

The actress said: “I’m so excited to swap the stage for the Strictly Ballroom this Christmas.

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"I’m used to performing in front of a live audience, but this is a whole new experience.

"I can’t wait to immerse myself in all things glitter and sequins.

"Let’s hope the judges show Nikita and I some extra festive cheer this Christmas!” 

Tamzin's other notable projects include New Tricks and Hotel Babylon.

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She recently starred opposite Jo Joyner and Angela Griffin in Channel 5 drama The Wives.

But will she be able to impress Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas?

Yesterday, Gladiators' Harry Aikines-Aryeetey - aka Nitro - was confirmed for the Christmas special.

The Team GB sprinter, 36, will be paired with pro dancer Nancy Xu.

Harry has won a number of golds in the European Championships and Commonwealth Games.

Meanwhile, a total of six famous faces will be taking to the dance floor for the festive episode.

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2005 Darren Gough & Lilia Kopylova
2006 Colin Jackson & Erin Boag
2007 Darren Gough & Lilia Kopylova
2008 Jill Halfpenny & Darren Bennett
2009 Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna
2010 John Barrowman & Kristina Rihanoff
2011 Charlie Brooks & Vincent Simone
2012 J.B. Gill & Ola Jordan
2013 Rufus Hound & Flavia Cacace
2014 Louis Smith & Aliona Vilani
2015 Harry Judd & Joanne Clifton
2016 Melvin Odoom & Janette Manrara
2017 Katie Derham & Brendan Cole
2018 Aston Merrygold & Janette Manrara
2019 Debbie McGee & Kevin Clifton
2020 —
2021 Anne-Marie & Graziano Di Prima
2022 Alexandra Mardell & Kai Widdrington
2023 Jamie Borthwick & Nancy Xu

Comedian and Last Leg star Josh Widdicombe was the first confirmed name.

His pro partner has been confirmed as Karen Hauer - who danced with Paul Merson in this year's series.

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TV star Vogue Williams and RuPaul's Drag star Tayce have also signed up.

The Christmas special will air on our screens on December 25th.

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