Radio Times: Review by:; Jane Rackham

This is the one-off event that gives celebrities the chance to have a go at ballroom dancing without having to endure weeks of public humiliation and blisters. It’s also the chance for us to see whether previous winners and finalists can remember how to move.

Among the six newbies are Helen Skelton and Katy Brand, both of whom moved and grooved impressively for Children in Need and Comic Relief. Probably the less said about Bobby Ball the better, but if Sheila Hancock is dancing a waltz rather than a samba, she may surprise us. In any case Strictly fans will be salivating at the chance to see Tom Chambers, Chris Hollins, Chelsee Healey and Rachel Stevens in action again.

About this programme

Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly welcome six Strictly newcomers to the dance floor to compete for the Christmas glitterball trophy. Nine former contestants also return to prove they can still trip the light fantastic, and singer Rod Stewart performs Let It Snow. Leading the line-up are 2008 and 2009 champions Tom Chambers and Chris Hollins, alongside series one winner Natasha Kaplinsky, while Kelly Brook, Rachel Stevens, Colin Jackson and Chelsee Healey also dust off their dancing shoes. Entering the ballroom for the first time are JLS singer Jonathan `JB' Gill, former footballer Fabrice Muamba, comics Bobby Ball and Katy Brand, actress Sheila Hancock, and presenter Helen Skelton. Viewers' favourites Ann Widdecombe and Russell Grant add a little extra yuletide sparkle with guest appearances, while judges Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Darcey Bussell are on hand to give their verdicts on the festive-inspired routines - before the studio audience votes to decide which of the novice hoofers becomes champion.