Jump directly to the content

MARK Wright shimmies his way back onto the Strictly dance floor during the show's Christmas Special - five years after reaching the semi-finals.

The 32-year-old gives 2019 winner Kelvin Fletcher a run for his money in the tight blue shirt stakes as he dances an energetic routine with his pro-partner Janette Manrara.

Mark Wright shimmies his way back onto the Strictly dance floor during the show's Christmas Special
22
Mark Wright shimmies his way back onto the Strictly dance floor during the show's Christmas SpecialCredit: BBC

Mark - who was paired with Karen Hauer during the 2014 series - looks delighted to be back on the dance floor as he shakes his hips alongside Janette in a diner-inspired number.

The former Towie star is one of six celebrities returning to the Strictly dance floor for the Christmas Special, with 2017 contestant Gemma Atkinson also making a comeback alongside real life partner Gorka Marquez.

The couple met and fell in love on the 2017 series despite having different dance partners but this time, they get to dance the jive together.

Gemma only gave birth to their first child - daughter Mia - in July but looks in incredible shape in a festive red jumpsuit.

Mark originally competed on the 2014 series with Karen Hauer
22
Mark originally competed on the 2014 series with Karen HauerCredit: BBC
He has been paired with Janette Manrara for the Christmas Special
22
He has been paired with Janette Manrara for the Christmas SpecialCredit: BBC
Gemma Atkinson is dancing with real life partner Gorka Marquez this time
22
Gemma Atkinson is dancing with real life partner Gorka Marquez this timeCredit: BBC
The couple met on the 2017 series and now have daughter Mia together
22
The couple met on the 2017 series and now have daughter Mia togetherCredit: BBC
A family portrait is visible above the fireplace during their routine
22
A family portrait is visible above the fireplace during their routineCredit: BBC

For an extra level of cuteness, the couple dance in front of a log fire set up, with a picture of them and Mia hanging above the fireplace.

Another returning real life couple taking part this year is 2018 runner up Joe Sugg and his pro partner Dianne Buswell.

The couple fell in love on last year's series and looked thrilled to be back on the dance floor in matching candy cane striped suits.

Meanwhile fellow 2017 contestants Chizzy Akudolu and Debbie McGee are also back, but this time with new dance partners.

Another real life couple, Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell, are also back on the dance floor
22
Another real life couple, Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell, are also back on the dance floorCredit: BBC
The couple met on last year's series and finished runners up
22
The couple met on last year's series and finished runners upCredit: BBC
Joe and Dianne wear matching candy cane stripe suits
22
Joe and Dianne wear matching candy cane stripe suitsCredit: BBC
2017 contestant Chizzy Akudolu shows off her moves with Graziano Di Prima
22
2017 contestant Chizzy Akudolu shows off her moves with Graziano Di PrimaCredit: BBC
Chizzy was the first celebrity to be voted off during her series
22
Chizzy was the first celebrity to be voted off during her seriesCredit: BBC
2017 finalist Debbie McGee is dancing with Kevin Clifton this time around
22
2017 finalist Debbie McGee is dancing with Kevin Clifton this time aroundCredit: BBC
Debbie originally danced with Giovanni Pernice
22
Debbie originally danced with Giovanni PerniceCredit: BBC

While Debbie, 61, originally danced with Giovanni Pernice, she has been paired with 2018 champ Kevin Clifton for the Christmas Special.

Meanwhile Chizzy - who was the first to be voted off her series with Pasha Kovalev - is dancing with Graziano Di Prima.

Viewers may struggle to recognise the sixth celebrity taking part this year - Good Morning Britain's Richard Arnold - as he's been transformed into The Grinch for his routine with Luba Mushtuk.

Richard, 50, took part in the show back in 2012 and fully embraced his costume, complete with green furry face.

Debbie does some impressive lifts during her routine with Kevin
22
Debbie does some impressive lifts during her routine with KevinCredit: BBC
Richard Arnold is unrecognisable as The Grinch
22
Richard Arnold is unrecognisable as The GrinchCredit: BBC
The GMB presenter is dancing with Luba Mushtuk
22
The GMB presenter is dancing with Luba MushtukCredit: BBC
Richard even sports a hairy green face
22
Richard even sports a hairy green faceCredit: BBC
The six couples also take part in a group routine
22
The six couples also take part in a group routineCredit: BBC
Richard gets to go make up free for the number
22
Richard gets to go make up free for the numberCredit: BBC
Judge Craig Revel Horwood dresses as a snowflake for the show
22
Judge Craig Revel Horwood dresses as a snowflake for the showCredit: BBC
The judges look in high spirits for the festive special
22
The judges look in high spirits for the festive specialCredit: BBC
Host Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman don sparkly frocks for the Christmas Day edition
22
Host Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman don sparkly frocks for the Christmas Day editionCredit: BBC

The six couples also take part in a festive group dance complete with white showgirl feathers, while judge Craig Revel Horwood dresses up as a snowflake.

Bruno Tonioli dons a pair of reindeer antlers while hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman go all out in sparkly dresses for the Christmas Day show.

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special airs at 4.40pm pn Christmas Day.

<div>
</div>

 

Topics
YOU MIGHT LIKE
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MORE FOR YOU