Hot topics close

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

First Dates Fred Sirieix and Repair Shops Jay Blades confirmed for Strictly Christmas special
First Dates star Fred Sirieix and The Repair Shop's Jay Blades have been confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas special, with more celebrities to be announced in due course

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.

Fred Sirieix has signed up for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special
Fred Sirieix has signed up for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special ( Getty Images)
Jay Blades will compete against Fred on the BBC show
Jay Blades will compete against Fred on the BBC show ( BBC/Ricochet Ltd/Steve Peskett)

"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.

Fred Sirieix is best known for starring on First Dates
Fred Sirieix is best known for starring on First Dates ( ITV)

"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 Repair Shop's Jay Blades
The Repair Shop's Jay Blades ( BBC/Ricochet Ltd/Cody Burridge)

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."

Read More
Strictly's Tom Fletcher tearful over 'perfect' exit amid 'undermarking' claims
undefined
Read More
Shirley Ballas 'could be next judge to leave Strictly Come Dancing', expert says
undefined
Similar news
News Archive
  • The graduate
    The graduate
    KERING EYEWEAR Key Account Graduate Trainee
    4 Jan 2024
    1
  • St Swithins Day
    St Swithin's Day
    St Swithin's Day: How the myth measures up to the facts
    23 days ago
    3
  • Maurizio Sarri
    Maurizio Sarri
    Report: Spurs in frequent contact with Sarri; who wants London return
    22 Apr 2021
    9
  • Nadine Dorries
    Nadine Dorries
    It pains me to say it, but Nadine Dorries was right about posh boys
    14 Nov 2023
    38
  • Ruby Walsh
    Ruby Walsh
    Ruby Walsh: Sir AP McCoy calls retiring star the greatest jump jockey of all time
    1 May 2019
    9
This week's most popular news