The glittering Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special has announced its second celebrity contestant, confirming that Melanie Blatt from the iconic 1990s group All Saints will be taking to the dancefloor this festive season.
From Pop Star to Ballroom Dancer
The BBC show had already set the stage by revealing television presenter Scarlett Moffatt as the first participant on Friday, November 21. True to their promise, producers unveiled the second star on Monday, November 24.
Melanie will be paired with Strictly professional Kai Widdrington, who was recently eliminated from the main series with his partner, Vicky Pattison. Expressing her excitement about the new challenge, Melanie said: "If you can't have a dance at Christmas, when can you?! I'm so excited to meet Kai and start training to make this a dance to remember."
A Life Beyond Music
Since her time with the award-winning girl group, Melanie has diversified her career in the public eye. She is the founder of her own gourmet burger business and has proven her culinary skills as a finalist on Celebrity Masterchef.
Her television appearances are extensive, including the second series of Celebrity Race Across The World, Taskmaster’s New Year Treat, and as a contributor to the documentary series Girlbands Forever.
The Festive Line-Up Takes Shape
Melanie is the second name to be confirmed for the special, joining Scarlett Moffatt, who stated she "can't wait" to begin. Scarlett will be dancing with Vito Coppola, who was previously partnered with Ellie Goldstein in the latest series before their exit.
In total, six couples will compete for the Christmas Glitterball trophy. The show will be hosted by the familiar duo of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who will be presenting the festive competition for the final time.
The judging panel will see the return of Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke. However, in a twist for the special, the power to crown the winner will rest solely with the studio audience.
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer during the Christmas period.
