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Strictly 2019 Christmas special – meet the full celebrity and pro line up

WITH Strictly Come Dancing 2019 nearing the end of the series, we all know that means we can soon look forward to a Christmas edition of the show to fill the Strictly-shaped hole in our lives.

But which celebs will be hitting the dancefloor for the festive edition this year? And who are the pro dancers who'll be guiding them through the steps? Find out below...

 Former JLS member Aston Merrygold and Janette Manrara were the winners of last year's Christmas special
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Former JLS member Aston Merrygold and Janette Manrara were the winners of last year's Christmas special

The special will be hosted by Strictly favourites Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

The festive foursome of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Bruno Tonioli and head judge Shirley Ballas will also be back on the panel.

The judges will be on hand to score each couple, yet it will be down to the studio audience to vote for which dancing duo will win the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2019.

Let's take a look at who's taking part:

Mark Wright

 Mark Wright has made numerous appearances in charity match Soccer Aid
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Mark Wright has made numerous appearances in charity match Soccer AidCredit: PA:Press Association

The former TOWIE star participated in the 2014 edition of Strictly Come Dancing.

He was partnered with Karen Hauer and the pair made it to the final, finishing fourth.

Wright is a former semi-professional footballer, who made appearances for Crawley Town and had a youth career at Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham.

The television presenter now returns to the ballroom to wow us with his moves alongside Janette Manrara, who he's partnered up with.

Gemma Atkinson

 Gemma Atkinson played the role of Carly Hope in Emmerdale from 2015-2017
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Gemma Atkinson played the role of Carly Hope in Emmerdale from 2015-2017Credit: PA

Actress Gemma Atkinson entered Strictly in 2017.

She had an excellent run, finishing runner-up to eventual winners Joe McFadden and Katya Jones.

The former Emmerdale star is in a relationship with her strictly dance partner Gorka Marquez.

The pair have had one child together, whom Gemma gave birth to this summer.

And the exciting news is that she will officially be paired up with her real life partner Gorka for the Christmas special!

Joe Sugg

 Joe Sugg is the brother of popular YouTube star Zoella
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Joe Sugg is the brother of popular YouTube star ZoellaCredit: PA:Press Association

YouTuber and author Joe Sugg appeared in the sixteenth edition of the show in 2018.

He was paired with dance partner Dianne Buswell and they reached the final, losing to eventual winners Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton.

The 28-year-old has released a series of books called Username, the first coming in 2015 and the third and final novel was released in 2017.

Sugg will hope to go one better than last year and lift the glittering trophy at this year's Christmas special.

And hopefully he'll be in luck as he's partnered up with Dianne once again - though this time round she is now his girlfriend!

Chizzy Akudolu

 Chizzy Akudolu was a Strictly contestant in 2017
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Chizzy Akudolu was a Strictly contestant in 2017Credit: Getty Images - Getty

The 46-year-old endured a disappointing Strictly campaign in 2017, as she and her partner Pasha Kovalev were the first celebrities to be axed.

The actress now takes part in the Christmas special looking to impress the judges as well as improve on her previous performance.

Akudolu has had stints in Holby City and has also been a panellist on Loose Women.

The London native also featured in the latest series of BBC's Death in Paradise.

Chizzy has been partnered up with Italian stallion Graziano Di Prima.

Debbie McGee

 Debbie McGee danced her way into the Strictly final in 2017
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Debbie McGee danced her way into the Strictly final in 2017Credit: PA:Press Association

In August 2017, it was announced that Debbie McGee would be participating in Strictly Come Dancing.

She was a fan favourite and danced her way into the final with partner Giovanni Pernice, but were beaten by Joe McFadden and Katya Jones.

The 61-year-old presents a Sunday morning show on BBC radio Berkshire and is a recurring member of the Loose Women panel.

McGee also had a secret breast cancer operation which  she believes was brought on from the stress of losing her husband Paul Daniels.

Debbie will be partnered up with Kevin Clifton for the Christmas special.

Richard Arnold

 Richard Arnold featured on the 2012 edition of the show
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Richard Arnold featured on the 2012 edition of the showCredit: BBC

Television presenter Richard Arnold is known for presenting on Good Morning Britain, formerly known as Daybreak.

He featured on the 2012 edition of the show and was eliminated in week seven with his partner Erin.

The TV host also featured in the ITV reality series 71 Degrees North.

Arnold will aim to use his charisma and charm along with his entertaining dance moves in an effort to bring home the trophy.

Richard has been paired up with Luba Mushtuk for the Christmas edition of the hit show.

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