Is Strictly's Christmas Special Rigged? Star Responds to Fix Claims!

Scarlett Moffatt has defended her past dancing experience in anticipation of her appearance on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, emphasising that her early dancing lessons do not give her an unfair advantage. This festive episode features a celebrity line-up that includes Westlife's Brian McFadden and comedian Babatunde Aléshé, making it a star-studded event that many viewers are eagerly awaiting.

Last updated: 26 December 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special approaches, Scarlett Moffatt has been addressing critics who question her dancing background. Despite having participated in dance competitions as a child, she insists that her previous experience is not a significant advantage. With the show set to air on Christmas Day, anticipation is building for her performance, alongside other celebrities.

Key takeaways

• Scarlett Moffatt asserts her early dance experience does not provide an unfair edge in the competition.
• The Christmas special features a diverse line-up of celebrities, enhancing viewer excitement.
• Moffatt describes her participation as a personal and career highlight, linking it to her childhood passion for dance.

Timeline: how we got here

Scarlett Moffatt first gained public attention in 2014 as a star on Gogglebox. She won I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2016, which significantly boosted her profile. In December 2023, her casting in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special was announced, generating both excitement and scrutiny regarding her dance experience.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Scarlett has reiterated her belief that her childhood dance lessons do not grant her a competitive edge. She has also reflected on the emotional significance of her participation in the Christmas special, describing it as a bucket-list opportunity.

What was already established

Scarlett has a history of dance, having taken lessons in Old Time and Sequence dance styles as a child. This background has been publicly known since her appearance on reality television, yet her recent comments suggest a desire to clarify misconceptions about her expertise.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For viewers across the UK, the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special serves as a festive highlight, bringing families together to enjoy holiday entertainment. Scarlett’s participation may resonate with those who have followed her journey from reality television to competitive dance.

Businesses and jobs

The show provides a platform for various businesses, including costume design, choreography, and production services, all of which thrive during this high-profile event. The involvement of celebrities like Scarlett can also enhance promotional opportunities for brands associated with the show.

Policy and regulation

While the show primarily operates in the entertainment sector, it also raises occasional conversations about the representation of diverse backgrounds in competitive dance. The format of Strictly Come Dancing continues to evolve, reflecting broader societal changes regarding inclusivity.

Numbers that matter

• 1: The number of times Scarlett has participated in a competitive dance event since returning to the dance floor.
• 35: Scarlett's age, which she mentions in the context of her journey back into dance.
• 4: The number of celebrities featured alongside Scarlett in the Christmas special, showcasing a diverse cast.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Old Time: A style of dance popular in the UK, often associated with traditional ballroom dances.
• Sequence Dancing: A form of dancing where a series of steps are performed in a set order, commonly seen in ballroom styles.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the Christmas special airs, viewers can look forward to Scarlett's performance, which may influence future opportunities for her in the world of dance and television.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-show, Scarlett’s experience on Strictly may lead to increased media appearances or new projects that leverage her dancing background and public interest.

Signals to watch

• Viewer ratings for the Christmas special, which could impact future celebrity participation.
• Social media reactions to Scarlett's performance, indicating public sentiment and potential career opportunities.

Practical guidance

Do

• Watch the Christmas special to experience the joy of dance and celebrity entertainment.
• Engage with social media discussions regarding the show to share your thoughts.

Don’t

• Assume that prior dance experience disqualifies someone from enjoying or excelling in dance competitions.
• Miss the opportunity to support your favourite celebrities during the show.

Checklist

• Mark your calendar for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special airing on Christmas Day.
• Consider hosting a viewing party to enjoy the festive spirit with friends and family.
• Stay updated on social media for behind-the-scenes content and reactions from the celebrities.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Scarlett Moffatt is excited about her participation, her comments highlight the scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye. Critics may continue to debate the fairness of her involvement due to her previous dance experiences, potentially impacting viewer perceptions.

Bottom line

Scarlett Moffatt's participation in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special is positioned as a significant moment both personally and professionally. As she navigates public scrutiny over her dance experience, her enthusiasm for the show reflects the broader enjoyment and festive spirit that Strictly brings to UK audiences.

FAQs

What is Scarlett Moffatt's dancing background?

Scarlett Moffatt has a background in dance from childhood, where she participated in Old Time and Sequence dancing, but she insists she doesn't have an unfair advantage in the competition.

When does the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special air?

The Christmas special airs on Christmas Day at 5.30pm on BBC One, featuring Scarlett and several other celebrities.

How does Scarlett feel about participating in the Christmas special?

Scarlett describes her participation as a dream come true, expressing excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to dance on such a significant occasion.