Before they take to the ballroom floor in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special on Christmas Day on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, we catch up with Alexandra Mardell and Kai Widdrington to find out how they're feeling about being Strictlified and hitting the dance floor on Christmas night.

How are you feeling about being a part of the Strictly Christmas special?

Alexandra: Yeah, it's really fun. We’re a really nice group, which is also lovely and it's definitely got me more into the Christmas spirit, listening to the Christmas songs every day.

What made you want to take part?

Alexandra: Oh gosh, well I did actually say a couple of weeks before, completely random to this, that I wanted to do some dance lessons And then this came up and it was like, perfect timing! And also, my mum is a huge fan of the show. She is more excited than me!

Tell us about your partnership, what’s training been like?

Kai: Brilliant! Alexandra is a joy to work with, it's just so easy because when someone comes into the rehearsal room with such positivity every day, even though it’s only been a brief about of time, it’s just been a real pleasure. We have a nice, fun, cheeky routine and hopefully have some good quality dancing as well.

Alexandra: It's just been a real pleasure, I was very nervous on the first day but it’s been fantastic.

How do you feel about being ‘Strictly-fied’ festive style?

Alexandra: Very very glittery which is fabulous, for the show I’ll be a very sparkly reindeer.

Kai: I’ve been told I am not going to be a fat Santa with a beard, I’m going to be a cool Santa! I’m hoping it’ll be as if Santa did GQ!

What would you buy each other for Christmas?

BOTH: FOOD!

Kai: An all you can eat buffet free ticket. Really fancy food, lots of lobster!

How do you rate your chances of being crowned Christmas champions? Who do you think your biggest competition is?

Alexandra: It's just fun, I think there's probably quite a lot of competitive people, but not at this moment, we're just having fun, it’s Christmas! I’ll definitely get nervous because I want to perform well but I’m not like ‘I have to win’.

How do you rate yourself as a dancer?

Alexandra: Everything with this is completely new, it is a proper style, and learning all the techniques, everything, It's a complete new skill!

Kai: I always see the surprise of the celebrity, when they first do their first dance, the nerves go and there’s so much to think about, the technique, heels, toes, frame, head, body position, so many things! It’s like if I did acting for the first time I’d be so nervous. Dancing for me is like riding a bike, I just don't think about it. My job is to teach and make sure Alexandra is best prepared.

What’s your favourite Christmas movie and why?

Kai: Home Alone 1 and 2. I don’t think I could pick because I’ve watched both of them so many times.

Alexandra: Mine is The Santa Claus with Tim Allen. Oh, I love that film, it’s so underrated, you have to watch it. It is the best film, so so good!

Best and worst Christmas presents you’ve received?

Alexandra: So this is like down to your own opinion because I would say I get presents like plastic containers and pots and pans, which sounds really bad but I love that, that’s what I need.

Kai: I couldn’t say! All presents are good it’s the thought that counts

Which judge are you most keen to impress?

Alexandra: I mean, Craig comes to mind because he’s so fabulous, but I want to please all of them.

What are the Christmas traditions in your household? How will you be spending Christmas Day this year?

Kai: Ooh we always have Christmas sausage rolls in the morning with Chutney. Oh my god, It's a game changer. It is sensational it will change your life.

Alexandra: We always have fajitas on Christmas Eve, which is random, I never have them that often and I love them! And play loads of board games.

Any New Year’s resolutions?

Alexandra: Dry Veganuary, so it's going to be a very serious January, and just get through my wedding planning list, because I need to get on that.