Overview
- The BBC Christmas special marked the duo’s final on-screen appearance as Strictly hosts, closing with their trademark “keep dancing” sign-off.
- Tess Daly performed a surprise Argentine tango with Aljaž Škorjanec, and Dave Arch delivered a Love Actually-style cue-card tribute to a visibly moved Claudia Winkleman.
- Scarlett Moffatt and professional partner Vito Coppola won the festive Glitterball trophy in a six-contestant lineup.
- Bookmakers have installed Zoe Ball as the early frontrunner, with Fleur East and Janette Manrara also prominent in the odds, though the BBC has given no timeline for a decision.
- Media and social chatter continue to float names including Bradley Walsh, Alex Jones and Rylan Clark, while some tabloid reports suggest Melanie Blatt caught executives’ attention during the special, which remains unconfirmed.