Strictly Come Dancing returns for an all-star Christmas special that promises to dazzle audiences with a magical blend of dance, glitter, and festive cheer as six brand new celebrity contestants take to the floor in a bid to be crowned Christmas Champion 2023.

Jamie Borthwick and Nancy Xu

How are you feeling about being a part of this year’s Strictly Christmas special? What made you want to take part?

Jamie: I was having a conversation the week before I got offered the job, that I was going to stop saying no to things, and then the next day this opportunity came up, and I thought I better put this into practice. And I thought about it and I said yes. And I thought this is fun, it's Christmas, I don’t have to come back every week and improve.

Nancy: No you come back and improve every day!

Jamie: Well after this performance I can’t, but it’s just Christmas fun isn’t it!

What are you enjoying about it?

Jamie: Just being part of it, it’s a great team, I have to say I am really enjoying being around all the people that work here. Everyone is fantastic, it’s such a nice crew, all the pros are wonderful and brilliant. Everyone is so lovely, so to just be around everyone its magic! I’m going to be sad when it’s all over.

Nancy: I’m so excited. This is my fifth year of being a part of Strictly, and I have never done a Christmas special. I am in the same mind as Jamie, there is no pressure, its Christmas, we just want to have fun. We sing along while we’re dancing, we just want to bring a lot of joy to the audience and ourselves – we want to invite everyone to our party! I’ve enjoyed this experience so much.

Have you got any previous dancing experience?

Jamie: I’ve really enjoyed learning a new skill. Anyone can teach anyone how to do their craft, Nancy can tell me to put my right leg here, and point your toe, but she explains it in a way that I understand. For me that’s the difference between a teacher and a great teacher, and that’s what she has done this whole experience. It’s been a real thrill.

Do you think you’re naturally a good dancer?

Jamie: No, I am probably a three, a two maybe, and now I’m probably a high six, middle seven.

Nancy: That’s a little bit critical.

Jamie: I’m a realist, but I am trying. I’d give myself a nine for effort because I have really tried.

Nancy: No, I would say give yourself a 10 for effort.

Jamie: It’s really not easy, but the pros, wow, it really goes to show you how good they are. I’m thinking about my frame, my footwork, my toe, my hand, and when you watch the pros dance they are the crème-de-la-crème! They are the best in the world, they are amazing.

Tell us about your partner... How are you finding training?

Jamie: I think I am quite a quick learner, remembering the steps I find relatively simple, but mastering them is a whole other level. And we’ve had such a laugh, but when it’s time for us to work we do what we need to do. But it’s so important we have a laugh. I’ve tried to absorb as much as I can while we’re together. The couples dancing, and rehearsing with all of the others really has been such a thrill.

Nancy: I am loving it, so so so much! It’s really hard to meet somebody and to get to know them quite quickly, and then teaching them can be difficult, but I didn’t have that with Jamie. The first time we met each other, he made me laugh non-stop. He gives it his all and trusts me and tries everything. Jamie has even been sharing his musical taste with me, and I’ve been sharing different styles of dances as well and I think I can see the sparkle in his eyes! The time has gone so quick, but it’s been so lovely, because I have had the best time. I’m so glad I have him as my Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special partner.

Talk us through your outfit…

Jamie: We haven’t seen each other's costumes yet.

Nancy: Well, mine is like EastEnders Christmas! It’s really sassy, like animal vibes…

Jamie: Ooh its going to be Kat Slater vibes! I have tails, a proper tux, a suit! Big trousers up high. The tails are long, and, we’re dancing to the Quickstep to Shakin' Stevens – Merry Christmas, Everyone.

Which judge are you hoping to impress the most?

Jamie: I hope the judges will be a bit easier on me, I can’t come back and improve every week to work on my frame or foot work, and I’m sure they’ll see its Christmas and we’re all novices. But, I feel that if I don’t get something negative from Craig, then I haven’t had a Strictly experience.

Nancy: He will be very merry with you, it’s Christmas time.

Jamie: I want him to have a go at me. Give me some criticism.

What do you love most about Christmas? Do you have a Christmas tradition?

Jamie: I always allocate one day of shopping, to get it all done. I love it, you go around to all of the shops, I love the hustle and bustle. Oh and I love going to see all my mates in panto as well that’s really funny!

Nancy: No, it’s just a happy time. I love eating, eating, I make lots of Chinese food. Last year we were celebrating Christmas at Carlos’ place, so I just prepared everything, it was a whole table of Chinese food and two pizzas because my partner is Italian. And being with the people I can share my food and Christmas with.

Jamie: I’m going round Nancy’s and she’s cooking me dinner!