First Dates' Fred Sirieix and Repair Shop's Jay Blades confirmed for Strictly Christmas special

Fred Sirieix and Jay Blades are the first two stars confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas special.

The First Dates and The Repair Shop stars will take to the dancefloor this festive season for the BBC One show's Christmas special as it makes a triumphant return, after it was cancelled last year.

Both Fred and Jay appeared on Strictly: It Takes Two on Monday night, where they announced they would be appearing on the festive special of the show.

Fred will be partnered with Dianne Buswell whilst Jay will dance with Luba Mushtuk, with more celebrities set to be announced soon for the Christmas special.

"I absolutely love Christmas so I’m delighted to be taking part in the Strictly Christmas special and to be partnered with the magnificent Dianne," Fred said in a statement.

"I hope my dance moves bring some Christmas joy to everybody watching at home and don’t make the judges say 'Bah, Humbug!'"

And Fred explained how he just "couldn't turn down the opportunity.

"I got the phone call and I was as excited as I was scared," he added, "Because I was so scared I thought I have got to do it. There is no way I can turn this down. I have got to do it."

Repair Shop star Jay is also looking forward to the show - as he confessed he can't wait to learn another dance which isn't a dad dance.

"I’m super excited, times two! One, because I’m going to learn a new dance apart from the ‘Dad’ dance, and two because I’m going to be on Strictly! It’s a show that I’ve always admired, and I can’t wait to see how I perform!" he added.

The Strictly Come Dancing special is the highlight of the festive season for many and fans were thrilled by the announcement.

"Absolutely delighted @jayblades_ is doing #Strictly Christmas special. Iv been hoping someone from #therepairshop would do Strictly. Great pro dancer with @LubaMushtuk. Look forward to seeing you," one wrote.

Another added: "Fred is doing the Christmas special?! Love it! #Strictly," whilst a third shared: "I love Fred Siriex so I'm happier now. #ItTakesTwo#Strictly." A fourth wrote: " @jayblades_ on Xmas strictly!! Looking forward to that! Good luck :) #Strictly."

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