When is the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas countdown on BBC One?

IF you’ve got the blues now that Strictly’s over – we’ve got some good news for you.

Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Strictly will be returning with a Christmas special this week – albeit not in the same format we’re used to.

When is the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas countdown on BBC One?

Strictly: The Christmas Countdown will air on Christmas Day – the perfect post-Christmas dinner viewing!

It will show at 4.45pm on BBC One.

For those enjoying the festivities too much to watch live, the episode will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer after it has aired.

Who will be appearing on the Strictly Christmas countdown?

Tess Daley and Claudia Winkleman will front the show as usual – which will take the format of a countdown of Strictly’s 25 most memorable dances after a public vote.

The presenting duo will be joined by judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and – fans will be delighted to hear – Bruno Tonioli.

Everyone involved will be socially-distances and Covid-secure.

As per tradition, professional dancers will all be returning as well as celebrity guests – but they won’t be performing any live dance numbers.

How will the show work?

The show will be different to the Strictly Christmas specials that we know and love, thanks to Covid restrictions.

In past years, former contestants would return to perform in Christmassy dances, but the logistics of organising that this year have made it impossible for producers.

Instead, Tess and Claudia will reminisce on some of Strictly’s best performances along with the judges.

The BBC billed the show: “From the perfect 40s, the trophy-winning routines and dances that have made us laugh – this show will have it all.”

Like a Christmas miracle, Strictly’s professional dancers will be back to perform a festive dance.

It was pre-recorded along with the other dances they did for the past series after isolating together for two weeks.