First Dates star confirmed for Christmas Strictly Special

He's partnering up with Dianne Buswell

fred sirieix

by Samantha Price |
Updated on

It's no secret that Strictly Come Dancing has a Christmas special in the works - but the teaser of the celebrity line up was like Christmas had come early for Strictly fans.

For the viewers of Strictly It Takes Two, host of the after show Rylan Clark-Neal revealed all. Amongst the list of celebrities that will be taking it to the dance floor is First Dates Frenchman, Fred Sirieix.

We first saw dating show First Dates appear on our television screens back in 2013, where couples on blind dates hope to find love and it was during the third season that Fred Sirieix joined the series as head waiter of the First Dates restaurant.

Joined by dancing partner Dianne Buswell on the Strictly sofa, Fred revealed how he felt when he was asked to join cast of the celebrity special.

"I got the phone call and I was excited as I was scared," Fred revealed on the Strictly Come Dancing after show, Strictly It Takes Two.

"I was scared because I’ve got to do it, there’s no way I’m going to turn this down. It’s been an amazing experience so far. Dianne has made the experience."

We were left wondering what would happen to Diane Buswell after her dancing partner Robert Webb was advised to leave the show by doctors this season. It appears like professional dancer Diane will be back on her dancing feet with Fred soon enough.

Behind the scenes of the after show, Fred shared some snaps on his Instagram Stories including a video with Matilda "Tilly" Ramsay - aka the daughter of chef Gordon Ramsay - who is currently competing on Strictly this season.

fred-siriex-tilly-ramsay

After congratulating both Tilly and and her dance partner for their successes with the show, Fred was then spotted celebrating backstage.

Speaking on his excitement on being involved with the festive series, he said, "I absolutely love Christmas so I’m delighted to be taking part in the Strictly Christmas special. I hope my dance moves bring some Christmas joy to everybody watching at home."

Who else is taking part in the Strictly Christmas special?

As well as First Dates' Fred, Rylan also announced that presenter of The Repair Shop, Jay Blades would be appearing on the show in December.

Viewers first saw the touching programme on TV back in 2017 where family heirlooms are brought in to be restored to their original form by experts.

As well as The Repair Shop, Jay has had his dedication to his craft officially recognised when he was rewarded with an MBE. However in December he'll be joining the ranks of the Strictly Christmas special where he's partnered with professional dancer, Luba Mushtuk.

"I love challenging myself and doing things I’ve never done before. Let's just dive in there and have a go." Jay Blades said on Strictly It Takes Two. "I’m super excited, times two.

"One, because I’m going to learn a new dance apart from the dad dance, and two because I’m going to be on Strictly. It’s a show that I’ve always admired, and I can’t wait to see how I perform."

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Fred Sirieix sparks Strictly rumours

It was last year when rumours flew about Fred Sirieix starring in the new series of Strictly when he spoke exclusively to Closer about potentially appearing on the show. Despite his confession of not having "much rhythm," the suave Frenchman has landed himself a place in the Christmas special.

Although, we might start taking his words a bit more seriously since he posted this picture on Instagram, with the caption, "This is what happens when a 🐸 dances with a 🦘#strictly 😩😳".

Ouch...

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