Babatunde Aléshé Joins Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025 as Fifth Celebrity Contestant
Babatunde Aléshé has been confirmed as the fifth celebrity contestant for the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025. The event is produced by BBC Studios and is set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this festive season.
Babatunde Aléshé: A Versatile Star
An acclaimed stand-up comedian, actor, and podcaster, Babatunde Aléshé is well-known for his engaging performances. His recent UK headline tour wrapped up just this week, with international dates planned for 2026. Babatunde’s television credits include popular shows like Taskmaster, where he participated in the 18th series, and Celebrity Gogglebox alongside Mo Gilligan.
- Participated in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here, surviving for 18 days.
- Won a Gold ARIAS award for his podcast series Mission Imagination.
- Appeared on Live at the Apollo, Would I Lie To You?, and Richard Osman’s House of Games.
A Christmas Special to Remember
This year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special promises to deliver a festive extravaganza. Babatunde will be paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu as they navigate the challenges of the Christmas ballroom. The special will feature six couples competing for the title of Strictly Christmas Champion, with the voting decided by a studio audience.
Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will guide viewers through the event for their final time. The esteemed judging panel, which includes Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke, will provide feedback and support throughout the performances.
Previous Contestants
Babatunde joins a lineup that includes:
- Scarlett Moffatt
- Melanie Blatt
- Jodie Ounsley (aka Fury from Gladiators)
- Nicholas Bailey
The final celebrity contestant for the Christmas Special will be revealed shortly on Strictly: It Takes Two, broadcasting at 6.30 PM on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
Behind the Scenes
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special is a production by BBC Studios, commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, the Head of Entertainment at the BBC. Sarah James serves as the Executive Producer, with Kim Allinson as the Christmas Series Editor. Jo Wallace is the Senior Commissioning Editor for the BBC.
This festive season, audiences can expect a magical atmosphere filled with dazzling group dances and live music, making it the perfect program to enjoy after Christmas Dinner. Babatunde Aléshé’s return to dancing marks a significant moment in his career as he embraces the spirit of the holiday season.
