Mark Wright shakes his hips while Gemma Atkinson jives with boyfriend Gorka Marquez on Strictly Christmas special

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 - 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.

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.

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.

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.