This year the leading ladies set to spread Christmas joy on the dancefloor are Anita Rani (series 13), Ann Widdecombe (series 8) and Caroline Flack (series 12).

Anita says: “I can’t contain my excitement about dancing again and getting sparkly for Strictly, stepping back inside the glitter ball of glam!”

Ann says: "I am very much looking forward to returning to Strictly, where I shall once again be pushed, pulled, cajoled and coaxed around the dancefloor in all manner of ways by my poor dance partner. Who knows, they might even fire me out of a canon."

Caroline says: “I can’t quite believe it’s been four years since I had the best time of my life, dancing with Pasha on the Strictly dance floor. My Glitterball still has pride of place in my living room! It always felt like a family at the SCD studios, so how could I say no to performing one last time on this year’s Christmas special? It’ll be the best present I could imagine.”

The gentlemen set to rock around the Christmas tree are Aston Merrygold (series 15), Jake Wood (series 12) and Michael Vaughan (series 10).

Aston says: “I’m so happy to be able to get back in the Strictly floor. I feel like I’ve got some unfinished business with it!”

Jake says: “It’s been a few years since I donned the sequins so I can’t wait to do it all over again for the Christmas Special. I loved my experience on Strictly Come Dancing and I jumped at the chance when they asked if I wanted to step back onto the dancefloor.”

Michael says: “Having not danced at all since 2012 I can’t be any worse than then as I had no clue then, still have no clue, but can’t wait to have some fun and at least it will help lose a few pounds over the Xmas party season!”

The theme for this year’s festive extravaganza is fairytales and making dreams come true. Each of the six couples will perform a Christmas inspired routine in a bid to be crowned Christmas champions 2018.

Hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the show wouldn’t be complete without the festive foursome on the judging panel: Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Head Judge Shirley Ballas.

The judges will be on hand to score each couple and spread some cheerful joy, yet it will be down to the studio audience to vote for which dancing duo will win the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2018 and lift the famous Silver Star trophy.