The final three celebrities taking part in the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ 2023 Christmas Special have been unveiled.
Actress Tillie Amartey, Rugby Union player Danny Cipriani and Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan are the final celebs who will be battling it out in the ballroom on Christmas Day. They join the previously announced broadcaster Dan Snow, BBC Presenter Sally Nugent and ‘EastEnders’ actor Jamie Borthwick.
Tillie Amartey will be paired with ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ professional dancer Neil Jones. She has amassed an impressive CV in a short time, working on shows for Sky, CBBC and Channel 5. She will be hitting our screens in January 2024 as Stace Neville in BBC One’s hit series ‘Waterloo Road’. Tillie’s acting career has also seen her play a range of varied roles on CBBC’s popular show ‘Almost Never’, Channel 5’s four-part drama ‘The Teacher’ alongside Sheridan Smith, and her most intense performance to date: Marnie in Jimmy McGovern’s ‘Moving On’.
Amartey was also handpicked by David Walliams for her debut film role in his TV adaptation of ‘Ratburger’. Her break-out performance as troublesome Tina Trott in the adaptation won her plaudits from critics and industry peers alike. Acting aside, Amartey is also known for her flair for presenting and has fronted shows on both CITV and CBBC. Most recently, she was a co-host on CBBC’s ‘Love! Love! Love!’, celebrating trends across music, pop and celebrity culture.
Commenting on being part of the show Amartey said: “My family have been avid fans of ‘Strictly’ since forever so no pressure! The nerves are real, but I am SUPER excited to bring some much-needed joy to the telly while I shimmy and sparkle my two left feet through the Christmas special!”
Danny Cipriani will be paired with Jowita Przystał. Danny is a former England International and current professional Rugby Union player. He most recently played for Premiership Rugby side Bath and previously played for Gloucester, Sale Sharks and Wasps in the Premiership and Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby.
Cipriani said: “I’ve always enjoyed the concept of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, it wasn’t something I ever thought I’d do. After addressing my own ideas and beliefs, I am very much looking forward to expressing myself through dance with no limitations. Strictly brings joy to everyone’s living rooms, being a part of that for Christmas Day will be special.”
Keisha Buchanan will be paired with Gorka Márquez. She is a founding member of platinum selling, critically acclaimed, girl group Sugababes. Having sold out the O2 for their ‘One night only show’, this incredible girl group have just released their new hit single ‘When the Rain Comes’ and have been crowned the Music Week Women in Music Awards 2023 ‘Inspirational Artist’ of the year! Touring the country hasn’t stopped Buchanan jumping at the chance of appearing in this years’ ‘Strictly Come Dancing Christmas’ special.
Buchanan said: “I am so excited to be taking part, and over Christmas too, my favourite time of the year! I am looking forward to learning some new moves and embracing the dancefloor!”
The news was revealed this evening on (Thursday 23rd November) on (BBC Two’s It Takes Two).
‘Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special’ 2023 will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day.
