Sally Nugent of BBC Breakfast has been named as one of the first celebrities to take part in Strictly Come Dancing‘s Christmas special.
This year, the all-star event will return to BBC One, with six brand new celebrity candidates competing for the title of Christmas Champion 2023.
Each of the six couples will perform a holiday-themed performance in the hopes of wowing the judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, Head Judge Shirley Ballas, and the voting studio audience.
Sally, 52, will be dancing with presenter Dan Snow and actor Jamie Borthwick this year, as well as Graziano Di Prima.
‘I was in need of a little pick me up when the lovely people from Strictly called,’ she posted on Instagram accompanying some photos of the duo during training.
‘They kindly suggested I might like to learn to dance with @grazianodiprima in time for Christmas.
‘I am definitely not a dancer – but I will try my best. And there is no one better to learn with.
‘Join us on our Christmas adventure and I guarantee that we will all have fun along the way. Ciao 👋’
Dan Walker, Sally’s previous co-star who performed on Strictly in 2021, expressed his support, writing, ‘GO ON SAL & GRAZ.’
Owain Wyn Evans added: ‘Omg Sal this is so good! Cannot wait to see it! 🪩 xxxx.’
Announcing the news, Sally had earlier shared: ‘I am thrilled and slightly terrified to be taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.
‘I’m hoping the judges will be kind – and filled with Christmas spirit. And I hope everyone watching at home will enjoy a little bit of Strictly magic on Christmas night.’
History broadcaster, best-selling author and entrepreneur Dan, who spent 15 years working for the BBC, said: ‘I am absolutely terrified about hitting the dance floor. But I love getting out of my comfort zone and I’ve always wanted to learn how to dance properly. So I thought it was now or never!’
He’ll compete with Nadia Bychkova, while Jay Brown actor Jamie will compete with Nancy Xu.
He said: ‘I am so excited to be joining the cast of this years’ Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.
‘From Walford to a Waltz, I can’t wait to learn a new skill and put my dancing to the test.
‘I’m hoping to spread Christmas cheer and have a good laugh with my professional dancer…get me on that dancefloor!’
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day.
