BBC Breakfast’s Sally Nugent admits she was ‘in need of a pick me up’ ahead of her Strictly Christmas stint as she shares snaps with Graziano Di Prima to mark the start of rehearsals
Strictly’s Christmas special must have come at the right time for Sally Nugent as the BBC Breakfast star admitted she was ‘in need of a pick me up’ before ITV called.
The presenter, 52, is one of the first three stars confirmed for the Strictly Come Dancing special and has already kicked off rehearsing with her partner Graziano Di Prima.
The festive episode of the BBC dancing show will air on Christmas day and is a beloved tradition for many.
Celebrating the news, Sally and Graziano, 29, took to Instagram on Wednesday in a joint post to share snaps marking the first day of rehearsals.
Alongside the sweet snaps, Sally penned: ‘I was in need of a little pick me up when the lovely people at Strictly called. They kindly suggested I might like to learn to dance with @grazianodiprima in time for Christmas.
Winter blues: Strictly’s Christmas special must have come at the right time for Sally Nugent, 52, as the BBC Breakfast star admitted she was ‘in need of a pick me up’ before ITV called (pictured with her partner Graziano Di Prima)
Exciting: The presenter is one of the first three stars confirmed for the Strictly Come Dancing special and has already kicked off rehearsing with her partner Graziano
‘I am definitely not a dancer – but I will try my best. And there is no one better to learn with.
‘Join us on our Christmas adventure and I guarantee that we will all have fun along the way. Ciao’.
Graziano recently danced with Zara McDermott on this year’s series, but was voted out on week 6.
Historian Dan Snow and EastEnders’ Jamie Borthwick will also be trying their hand at the dance floor.
The Strictly ballroom will be transformed into a winter wonderland in a magical blend of dance, glitter, and cheer as six brand-new celebrities will battle to be crowned Christmas champion.
All four judges from this year’s season are set to return as Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas will take to the panel.
The presenter has seen her career go from strength to strength in recent years, going from a sports journalist to becoming a permanent presenter of BBC Breakfast to replace Louise Minchin in late 2021.
She said: ‘I am thrilled and slightly terrified to be taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.
Sweet: Celebrating the news, Sally and Graziano, 29, took to Instagram in a joint post to share snaps marking the first day of rehearsals
Excited: Alongside the sweet snaps, Sally penned: ‘I was in need of a little pick me up when the lovely people at Strictly called. They kindly suggested I might like to learn to dance with @grazianodiprima in time for Christmas’
Exciting: The first three contestants have been confirmed for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special
Big reveal: The presenter has seen her career go from strength to strength in recent years, going from a sports journalist to becoming a permanent presenter of BBC Breakfast to replace Louise Minchin in late 2021
Star: After covering major sporting events – including football World Cups – for the BBC, Birkenhead-born Nugent became a regular presenter for BBC Breakfast
‘I’m hoping the judges will be kind – and filled with Christmas spirit.
‘And I hope everyone watching at home will enjoy a little bit of Strictly magic on Christmas night.’
Meanwhile Dan is paired with Nadiya Bychkova and said: ‘I am absolutely terrified about hitting the dance floor.
‘But I love getting out of my comfort zone and I’ve always wanted to learn how to dance properly. So I thought it was now or never!’
Dan is a history broadcaster, best-selling author and entrepreneur and his podcast History Hit is listened to millions of times each month.
He was part of the expedition to find Shackleton’s Endurance shipwreck in Antarctica in 2022.
Jamie – who is best known for playing Jay Brown in EastEnders for over 17 years- will be paired with Nancy Xu.
He has won numerous awards, including a British Soap Award and an Inside Soap Award for ‘Best Actor’.
Big role: Historian Dan Snow is paired with Nadiya Bychkova and said: ‘I am absolutely terrified about hitting the dance floor
Dancing shoes on: Jamie Borthwick will be paired with Nancy Xu
Brave: Dan is pictured onboard the research vessel on an expedition to find Sir Ernest Shackleton’s boat
Familiar face: Jamie is best known for playing Jay Brown in EastEnders for over 17 years (pictured on the show)
Last year: Alexandra and Kai raised their trophy in the air as their fellow celeb contestants cheered them on in the sidelines
Group performance: The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas line-up last year included professional dancers Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, Amy Dowden, Luba Mushtuk and Giovanni Pernice – who opened the show with a festive routine
Jamie said: ‘I am so excited to be joining the cast of this years’ Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.
‘From Walford to a Waltz, I can’t wait to learn a new skill and put my dancing to the test.
‘I’m hoping to spread Christmas cheer and have a good laugh with my professional dancer…get me on that dancefloor!’
The remaining celebrities will be revealed on Thursday’s episode of It Takes Two.
Last year, Corrie’s Alexandra Mardell won the festive show with pro Kai Widdrington after earning a perfect score with their fun Quickstep.
She dressed up as a reindeer, while Kai got into the spirit in a matching Santa costume.
The group performed a sensational routine to a festive medley of Let It Snow, The Nutcracker Suite and Santa Claus is Coming To Town.
The latest episode of Strictly saw Angela Rippon leave the ballroom after an intensely competitive week at Blackpool.
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day.
Source: Read Full Article
