TV star Scarlett Moffatt has opened up about the reason she will never compete in the main series of Strictly Come Dancing, despite fulfilling a lifelong dream in this year's Christmas special.
A Dream Limited to Christmas
The former Gogglebox favourite is set to light up screens on Christmas Day in the pre-recorded festive edition of the hit BBC show. She has been partnered with professional dancer Vito Coppola for a Cha Cha to Cher's 'DJ Play A Christmas Song'. However, Moffatt has clarified that this festive appearance is likely the full extent of her Strictly journey.
Taking to Instagram, the 34-year-old shared a heartfelt post alongside a montage of her current training and childhood clips from ballroom and Latin dance competitions. In her caption, she wrote that she knows she will "probably never get to dance on the main Strictly series" due to her prior dance experience as a child.
"Getting to be part of the Christmas special means everything to me," she emphasised, describing the opportunity as a "true bucket-list moment."
Dance as a 'Safe Space'
Moffatt elaborated on the profound personal significance dance has held throughout her life. She revealed that while school was challenging, dance provided a sanctuary.
"Dance was my safe place," she explained. "It's where I found my people, where I felt happiest, and where I could just be me." This deep-rooted connection to dance made the chance to perform on the Strictly stage even more poignant, an event she described as one she "never really expect[ed] to come true."
She expressed immense gratitude to her family, friends, dance partner Vito, and the viewers for their support, calling the experience "one of the greatest days of my entire life."
The Festive Line-Up and Final Bow for Hosts
The 2025 Christmas special features a star-studded cast competing for the audience's vote. The full line-up of celebrities and their professional partners includes:
- All Saints singer Melanie Blatt with Kai Widdrington
- EastEnders actor Nicholas Bailey with Luba Mushtuk
- Comedian and podcaster Babatunde Aleshe with Nancy Xu
- Former Westlife star Brian McFadden with Michelle Tsiakkas
- Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley with Neil Jones
The couples will be judged by the usual panel: Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke. However, the winner will be chosen solely by the watching public.
This special marks a significant farewell, as it is the last episode to be hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman before their departure from the series. The show was filmed earlier in the year, allowing the duo to present one final time. Their last recorded episode was actually the main series final on 20 December, where Craig Revel Horwood read a thank-you message from Queen Camilla.
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special airs on BBC One on Christmas Day.
