Strictly Come Dancing sign up EastEnders icon as fifth contestant for Christmas special

Strictly Come Dancing bosses have signed up an EastEnders actress to take part in the 2024 Christmas special.

Tamzin Outhwaite is the fifth star to be revealed, with four names already having been announced - including comedian Josh Widdicombe, drag artist Tayce, TV presenter Vogue Williams and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, also known as Nitro, with one name still left to be revealed.

During Wednesday's (November 20) episode of It Takes Two, it was confirmed that Tamzin would be joining the Christmas special and will dance with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, who was partnered with Sam Quek in the main Strictly series this year.

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Tamzin is best known to fans for her iconic role as DCI Sasha Miller in BBC hit detective show New Tricks, whilst she has also had key roles in Hotel Babylon and Murder Is Easy. Soap fans will known Tamzin for her role as Mel Owen in EastEnders.

Tamzin also starred in the likes of Out Of Control and was cast alongside Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Robbie Coltrane in Mike Newell’s Great Expectations. In theatre, she has starred in Abigail’s Party and the West End revival of Noises Off.

Speaking about the show, she said: "I’m so excited to swap the stage for the Strictly Ballroom this Christmas. I’m used to performing in front of a live audience, but this is a whole new experience. I can’t wait to immerse myself in all things glitter and sequins, let’s hope the judges show Nikita and I some extra festive cheer this Christmas!"

Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas will all be back for the Christmas special to give their verdicts on the performance, with one more celebrity set to be confirmed later this week. Gladiators and Olympian star Nitro was confirmed earlier this week.

Harry said of joining the show: "STRICTLY... ARE YOU READY?! Nitro’s blasting onto the Ballroom floor this Christmas! I’m swapping my trainers for dancing shoes, and trust me, I’m bringing the power, the energy and the moves! This December I'm gonna light up that dancefloor and crank the Christmas spirit all the way UP. Let’s do this!"

Strictly: It Takes Two airs weekdays at 6.30pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer