Scarlett Moffatt has been announced as the first celebrity taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.
The much-loved television personality revealed the news live on Strictly’s partner show It Takes Two, interrupting the Friday Panel segment to share the announcement directly with viewers.
However, widespread online backlash has erupted after the announcement, with viewers questioning whether her previous ballroom training gives her an unfair advantage.
Ms Moffatt confirmed she will be partnered with Strictly professional Vito Coppola for the festive edition, which will see six celebrity couples take to the dancefloor in a bid to become Christmas Champion.
Scarlett Moffatt caused a stir with Strictly Christmas Special announcement
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PA
Her involvement marks the first of six scheduled celebrity reveals for the seasonal episode.
The former Gogglebox star grew emotional as she spoke about joining the show, saying she had barely stopped crying since learning she had been selected. “Strictly has always held a special place in my heart, so being part of the Christmas Special feels truly magical,” she said.
Ms Moffatt described the opportunity as both a personal and professional highlight. “It’s the show that brings everyone together around the TV, and being part of that is a genuine personal and career highlight,” she added.
She admitted rehearsals had already left her discovering muscles she “didn’t know existed”, but said she was thrilled to step onto the iconic Strictly dancefloor.
Ms Moffatt also revealed that watching the Christmas Special has long been a family tradition, making this year especially meaningful as her young son Jude will be able to see her perform.
Scarlett Moffatt became Queen of the Jungle in 2016
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Ms Moffatt rose to fame on Channel 4’s Gogglebox before becoming Queen of the Jungle in 2016 by winning I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.
Since then, she has built a diverse television career, hosting the BBC Sounds podcast Scarlett Moffatt Wants To Believe, fronting Streetmate and presenting documentaries such as Britain’s Tourette’s Mystery: Scarlett Moffatt Investigates.
Her credits also include Love Bites, Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, I’m A Celebrity: Extra Camp, Celebability, Crufts Extra and Scarlett Moffatt’s Driving School. She has also published books, including the Sunday Times bestseller Scarlett Says.
Following the announcement, Strictly fans quickly took to social media to share their reactions.
Drag Race star Cheryl Drag Queen wrote on Instagram “Another Queen on the dance floor”, while Strictly professional dancer Nancy Xu responded with seven heart emojis.
Fellow pro-dancer Michelle Tsiakkas left three supportive emojis, and Married at First Sight star Ella Morgan penned: “I don’t even need to see the lineup to know, this girl’s a winner. Love you @scarlettmoffatt so excited to watch! Go smash it queen.”
However, some viewers criticised the decision to cast Ms Moffatt because of her prior dancing experience.
“Isn’t she already a trained ballroom dancer though?” one fan asked, while another added: “I’m surprised she would have been allowed as wasn’t she a professional ballroom dancer at one stage?”
“Are you kidding she’s a trained dancer, give someone a chance who’s not a dancer,” wrote a third critic.
A fourth viewer dismissed the announcement entirely, saying: “Trained ballroom – yawn yawn.”
Many others defended the star and urged critics to relax, pointing out the special is meant for entertainment rather than competition.
“People complaining that she’s trained in ballroom… it’s a Christmas special and unless you’re in the audience you won’t be voting anyway, it’s for fun lighten up,” one supporter wrote.
Another added: “I need to see her on the main show. WHERE DO I START MY PETITION!!!”
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are currently hosting their final Strictly series.
Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will return to the judging panel, with the winner chosen by the studio audience rather than the public.
Producers have promised a “winter wonderland” atmosphere featuring group routines, live music and festive spectacle perfect for post-Christmas viewing.
The second celebrity taking part will be revealed on Monday.