'Strictly' announces Mel Giedroyc is joining Christmas Special

Mel Giedroyc on stage at The Royal Albert Hall.
Mel Giedroyc is joining the Strictly festive line-up! (Image credit: Getty Images)

Mel Giedroyc will take to the dancefloor for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas 2021 special, it's been announced.

The former Bake Off host will be paired with Strictly professional dancer, Neil Jones.

Mel said: “I don’t think I’ve been this excited about Christmas since I got my first guinea-pig  from Santa in 1978.”

The Christmas TV news was revealed on last night’s (Tuesday Nov. 23) Strictly: It Takes Two where the former The Great British Bake Off presenter admitted she was nervous for her upcoming stretch on the show.

“Few things. I’ve got to come clean, I’m worried about the bunions, the hernia, the pelvic floors, and going totally blank. Those are my main worries,” Mel explained when host Rylan Clark-Neal asked her if she was worried about anything in her routine.

Mel will be up against among others First Dates maître d Fred Sirieux and The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades in a bid to dazzle the judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, Head Judge Shirley Ballas, and the voting audience with their Christmas inspired routines. Who will lift the coveted Christmas trophy?

Mel’s comedic charm has already won over the nation many times before, during her presenting stints on Children In Need, The Great British Bake Off, and Eurovision- You Decide. As well as her numerous acting roles, one being in the Sky series Hitmen alongside her comedy partner Sue Perkins. But will her dancing skills be able to win over the judges and the nation?

TV and radio star Debbie McGee was the last person to win the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special in 2019, along with her professional partner Kevin Clifton.

The remaining three contestants are yet to be announced. Meanwhile, Strictly Come Dancing 2021 continues on BBC1.

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC1 on Christmas Day — see our TV Guide for full listings.

Grace Morris
Staff Writer

Grace is a digital writer with WhatToWatch.com, where she writes series guides, recaps and features for must-watch shows and delivers all the latest soap news and reactions. She graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020 with a degree in Writing and Film Studies, which only made her love for creative writing, film and TV grow stronger.


You'll usually find her watching the drama unfold in the latest reality series or much-loved UK soaps (usually with chocolate by her side!). She's an expert in EastEnders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and everything reality-related from Selling Sunset and Married At First Sight UK to 90 Day Fiancé UK. Plus Netflix megahit Virgin River!


Grace also likes to explore new places with her friends and family and, of course, watch and read about the latest films and TV series.