Strictly Come Dancing announce Coronation Street star as third celeb for Christmas special

CORONATION Street's Alexandra Mardell will star on Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas special, it has been announced.

She's part of the all-star line-up as Strictly returns to the Ballroom for an all-star Christmas special as six brand new celebrity contestants take to the floor in a bid to be crowned Christmas Champion 2022.

Alexandra said: “I’ve grown up with Strictly Come Dancing, and my Mum always said she’d love to see me on the show so this really is the best Christmas present I could give her.

"I can’t wait to get into the training room and see what festive moves I can bring to the table!”

Alexandra will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Kai Widdrington.

Each of the six couples will perform a Christmas inspired routine with the hope of impressing the judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, Head Judge Shirley Ballas, and the voting audience.

Alexandra Mardell is an actor, best known for the role of Emma Brooker in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street and Kelly Horton in Vera.

In 2019, she won the British Soap Award for Best Newcomer and was nominated for both Best Newcomer and Serial Drama Performance at the National Television Awards.

Alexandra is taking on her first major role since leaving Corrie as lead in The Family Pile for ITV.

The actress is the third celebrity to be announced for the Strictly special.

Radio One DJ Rickie Haywood-Williams and podcast star Rosie Ramsey will also be battling for the glitterball trophy.