Strictly Come Dancing returns to the Ballroom for an all-star Christmas special as six brand new celebrity contestants take to the floor in a bid to be crowned Christmas Champion 2022.

Each of the six couples will perform a Christmas inspired routine with the hope of impressing the judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, Head Judge Shirley Ballas, and the voting audience! But who will lift the coveted Strictly Come Dancing Christmas trophy?

Alexandra Mardell is the third celebrity confirmed for the Christmas special, produced by BBC Studios. Alexandra will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Kai Widdrington.

Alexandra Mardell is an actor, best known for the role of Emma Brooker in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street. In 2019, she won the British Soap Award for Best Newcomer and was nominated for both Best Newcomer and Serial Drama Performance at the National Television Awards. Alexandra will soon be seen as a lead role in new series The Family Pile for ITV. Other credits include the crime drama series, Vera, where she played the role of Kelly Horton.

Alexandra Mardell says: “I’ve grown up with Strictly Come Dancing, and my Mum always said she’d love to see me on the show so this really is the best Christmas present I could give her. I can’t wait to get into the training room and see what festive moves I can bring to the table!”

The news was revealed this morning on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day