Strictly Come Dancing returned to screens for a special Christmas competition today (December 25) with a cast of famous faces performing in the ballroom for the first time.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Tayce lifted the sparkling Strictly Christmas trophy alongside her professional dance partner Kai Widdrington after being crowned champions.
The dance duo impressed the judges with a Cha Cha performed to 100 Degrees by Kylie and Dannii Minogue.
Overseeing the festive instalment of competition, judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas awarded the couple a perfect score of 40.
Related: Strictly's Chris McCausland confirmed for Channel 4's Alternative Christmas Message
Tayce’s win and appearance on the show made Strictly history as she’s the first drag queen to take part in the beloved BBC dance competition.
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“It’s such an honour to be part of this amazing and highly popular show, pushing the envelope and breaking boundaries as the first drag queen to appear on it,” Tayce said. “I’m honoured to be the first and hopefully will pave the way to more drag icons partaking in the show.”
Related: Strictly's Max George shares health update after heart surgery
Tayce and Kai were up against some strong competition in the Strictly ballroom as a wide range of beloved celebrities strapped on their dance shoes for the special episode.
Taskmaster star Josh Widdicombe performed a festive-themed Charleston with Karen Hauer.
Vogue Williams was paired with Gorka Márquez for an upbeat Jive to Bobby Day’s Rockin’ Robin.
Related: Strictly Come Dancing airs emotional tribute to late stars
EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite and her partner Nikita Kuzmin performed a Viennese Waltz to Hallelujah by KD Lang.
There were also some famous faces from the world of sport taking part in the Christmas competition this year.
British racing driver Billy Monger performed an American Smooth with Nadiya Bychkova, while Olympian and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey danced a Street Commercial routine with Nancy Xu.
Strictly Come Dancing will return next year on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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News Editor, Digital Spy
Emma is an experienced entertainment news journalist with NCTJ accreditation and a First-Class Honours Degree in Journalism. Having started her career as a broadcast journalist, Emma’s voice has been heard on varying radio stations across the UK including Absolute, Magic, BBC Three Counties Radio, LBC London News and more.
Later specialising in multimedia entertainment news, Emma has brushed shoulders with numerous famous faces and interviewed the likes of Edward Norton, Margot Robbie, Sir Michael Palin, Rick Astley, and too many soap stars to count. Having produced a range of engaging news content over the years for brands such as 7Digital’s Entertainment News, Yahoo, and Express Online, Emma eventually joined Digital Spy in 2022 as Deputy News Editor, becoming Acting News Editor in 2023 and then News Editor in 2024.
While she’s gained lots of praise during celebrity interviews throughout her career, the most memorable compliment Emma’s ever received was when a Game of Thrones star remarked "Your teeth are stunning!". LinkedIn
